‘Full’ Vande Mataram sparks Congress-NC war of words in J&K
Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee chief Tariq Hameed Karra criticised alliance partner National Conference on Wednesday over the singing of the full version of Vande Mataram at the inauguration of the International Film Festival here, triggering a fresh political exchange between the allies.
In a post on X, Karra said national symbols, songs and traditions hold a special place in the hearts of Indians but their strength lies in their ability to unite a diverse country.
“It is therefore a matter of concern that our alliance partners chose to sing the full version of Vande Mataram,” he said, arguing that the song’s place in India’s national life had evolved through the freedom movement and the constitutional journey after Independence.
Karra said the version adopted after Independence reflected a balance between preserving the song’s historical significance and respecting India’s plural ethos and the constitutional guarantee of freedom of conscience.
“National symbols acquire greater dignity when they accommodate India’s diversity, not when that diversity is asked to accommodate them,” he said.
He said the controversy was not about patriotism but about how patriotism should be expressed in a diverse republic.
“Our national symbols should make every Indian feel equally at home,” Karra said.
National Conference chief spokesperson Tanvir Sadiq hit back, pointing to a similar rendition at a Congress-ruled event in Karnataka in the presence of Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar.
Sharing a video of the rendition, Sadiq tagged Karra and wrote: “Jenab @TariqKarra Sb, please take a look at your congress CM's and share your valuable thoughts with everyone.”
The exchange comes amid a broader debate over the singing of Vande Mataram. In January 2026, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs issued guidelines prescribing that all six stanzas of the national song be played or sung at official events.
The Congress has opposed the mandate and maintained that only the first two stanzas would be sung at party gatherings.
