Vande Mataram, its six stanzas and a settled question
An opinion piece criticizes the Indian government's mandate to play all six stanzas of 'Vande Mataram' at official functions, arguing it imposes a religious test on a secular republic. The author cites historical consensus from the freedom movement to support the use of only the first two stanzas.
Why it matters
The debate touches on the intersection of national identity, secularism, and religious expression in Indian public life.
The January 28, 2026 order of the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), directing that all six stanzas of Vande Mataram be played at official functions, with everyone present required to stand at attention, is not an act of patriotism. It is constitutional vandalism dressed up in national pride. To understand why, we need to go back to 1937, look at what the Constituent Assembly decided, and remember what the Supreme Court of India had said in the landmark case, Bijoe Emmanuel and Ors. vs State of Kerala and Ors. (1986).
The article uses strong, critical language ('constitutional vandalism') to challenge a government policy, reflecting a clear ideological stance.
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