Cong. stance on Vande Mataram a very serious issue, says Rajnath
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has criticized the Congress party for its decision to sing only two stanzas of the National Song, Vande Mataram, at party events. He labeled the stance as unconstitutional and questioned the party's patriotism.
Why it matters
This reflects ongoing political polarization in India regarding national symbols and historical interpretations of patriotism.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday (August 21, 2026) criticised the Congress over its stand on Vande Mataram , saying its “opposition” to the National Song raised constitutional and political concerns.
The Congress Working Committee, citing its 1937 resolution, had decided to sing only two stanzas (of the total six) of the National Song at party events.
“The Congress formally refusing to respect Vande Mataram , and not merely refusing but directly opposing it, is extremely unfortunate and, from a constitutional perspective, a very serious matter,” Mr. Singh said.
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