The Union Home Ministry has issued new rules mandating that the national song Vande Mataram be played before the national anthem Jana Gana Mana at all government events and in schools. The directive also requires people to stand during the song, placing it alongside the anthem in official protocol.
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The rules extend the use of Vande Mataram to civilian award ceremonies such as the Padma Awards and events attended by the President, during arrival and departure. Cinema halls will also play the song, though standing will remain optional in public spaces.
All six stanzas to be played before Jana Gana Mana at official events and schools
Significantly, the government has ordered that all six stanzas of Vande Mataram be played, including four verses removed by the Congress in 1937. Those stanzas reference Hindu goddesses, a move that is likely to reignite political and ideological debate
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The decision has revived tensions between the BJP and the Congress, which clashed over the issue last year. While the BJP accuses the Congress of historical appeasement, the Congress alleges the ruling party is politicising nationalism ahead of upcoming elections.