Vande Mataram: Karnataka govt defies Centre, limits to two stanzas

The Congress government in Karnataka has taken a stand against the Centre’s guidelines making it mandatory to sing all six stanzas of Vande Mataram. It has now issued a significant order stating that, henceforth, only the first two stanzas of Vande Mataram should be sung or played at official government programmes and functions held in the state.

The Centre had recently issued guidelines making it mandatory to sing all six stanzas of Vande Mataram at government programmes. However, the state government’s decision to adopt a position contrary to the Centre’s directive has triggered a political debate.

Also read: Vande Mataram row: BJP resolution condemns Congress' decision

The Union Home Ministry in January directed that all six stanzas of Vande Mataram be sung before the National Anthem, Jana Gana Mana, when both are played together. The directive was issued as the Centre marked the 150th year of Vande Mataram.

Last month, a controversy erupted after the Congress Working Committee (CWC) decided to abide by its 1937 resolution on Vande Mataram, saying only two stanzas of the national song would be sung at all party events henceforth.

All six stanzas at events attended by President, V-P, PM, Governor

According to an order issued by the Department of Personnel and Administrative Reforms, only the first two stanzas should be sung at regular state government functions. However, at programmes attended by constitutional dignitaries such as the President, Vice-President, Prime Minister and Governor, protocol should be followed by singing all six stanzas of Vande Mataram, the order states.

Also read: Vande Mataram row: Congress, National Conference clash over full version

“In view of the matters explained in the preamble, it is hereby ordered that, in programmes organised by the state government, only the first two stanzas of the song Vande Mataram shall be sung, except at programmes attended by the president, vice-president, prime minister, and governor,” the order said.

The Karnataka government has referred to the historic role played by Vande Mataram in fostering nationalism, unity and patriotism among the people during the freedom struggle. The Union Home Ministry has issued separate guidelines governing the playing and collective singing of the National Anthem and the National Song.

The order states that the uniform decision was taken in accordance with a Cabinet decision, keeping in view the nature of state government programmes, time constraints and the need to maintain due respect and protocol.

Recent amendment

On July 30, Parliament passed the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Act, 2026, which grants Vande Mataram the same legal status as the national anthem, Jana Gana Mana.

Under the amended law, intentionally disrupting or preventing the singing of Vande Mataram is a criminal offence punishable with up to 3 years of imprisonment, a fine, or both.

(This article was originally published in The Federal Karnataka)