Archive · 11 Aug 2026
BJP, Shiv Sena Welcome Vande Mataram at Red Fort; Congress Questions Move
India is getting ready to celebrate Independence Day on August 15.
This year will be very special because, for the first time, a famous patriotic song called 'Vande Mataram' will be sung at the Red Fort, a very important place in Delhi where the Prime Minister speaks.
Some political groups, like the BJP and Shiv Sena, are happy about this.
They say the song reminds people of the brave freedom fighters who helped India become free.
The Congress party is not happy and says the BJP is not truly patriotic because, they say, it did not even raise the Indian flag for 52 years.
A new law about respecting Vande Mataram has been passed by the Indian Parliament.
The celebration this year will also honor the young people of India and the country's dream of becoming a developed nation by the year 2047.
This will be India's 80th Independence Day.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lead the celebrations from the Red Fort.
India's national song 'Vande Mataram' will be sung at the Red Fort during Independence Day celebrations on August 15 for the first time.
BJP and Shiv Sena-UBT leaders welcomed the decision, citing the song's patriotic and historical significance.
Congress leader Nana Patole criticized the BJP, alleging it did not hoist the National Flag for 52 years despite claiming nationalism.
A Vande Mataram Bill has been passed in both Houses of Parliament and will become law, per Shiv Sena-UBT's Anand Dubey.
This year's celebrations will focus on India's youth and the 'Viksit Bharat' (developed nation) goal by 2047, with India marking its 80th Independence Day.
Union Defence Secretary R.K. Singh said the youth-focused theme was planned well before recent student protests at Jantar Mantar.
Bihar Minister Lakhendra Paswan said those who insult Vande Mataram will face strictest punishment.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lead the celebrations from the Red Fort in Delhi.
- Who
- Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Shiv Sena-UBT leaders welcomed the decision, while Congress leader Nana Patole criticized it; Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lead the celebrations.
- What
- The national song 'Vande Mataram' will be sung at the Red Fort during Independence Day celebrations for the first time, sparking political reactions.
- When
- August 15, when India marks its 80th Independence Day; the Union government announced the plan on Monday.
- Where
- Red Fort in New Delhi, India.
- Why
- The government aims to honor the national song's patriotic heritage and focus this year's celebrations on the contribution of India's youth towards 'Viksit Bharat' by 2047.
Supporters of the Move (BJP, Shiv Sena-UBT)
Critics of the Move (Congress)
Significance of Singing Vande Mataram at Red Fort
Supporters of the Move (BJP, Shiv Sena-UBT)
Singing Vande Mataram evokes patriotism, honors freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives, and is a right of every citizen that should be encouraged across the country.
Critics of the Move (Congress)
While symbols like the national anthem and Vande Mataram represent national identity, the BJP's nationalism claims lack credibility as they did not even hoist the National Flag for 52 years.
Nationalism Credentials of the BJP
Supporters of the Move (BJP, Shiv Sena-UBT)
The ruling party champions nationalism; the move to sing Vande Mataram at Red Fort reflects respect for the nation's patriotic heritage.
Critics of the Move (Congress)
The BJP wears a 'cloak of nationalism' but has no real respect for national values, as evidenced by its alleged failure to hoist the National Tricolour for 52 years.
Punishment for Insulting National Song
Supporters of the Move (BJP, Shiv Sena-UBT)
Those who insult Vande Mataram or the national song should face the strictest punishment; provisions have been made and a Bill passed in the Lok Sabha.
Critics of the Move (Congress)
No direct counter-stance was stated in the articles, but the Congress questioned the government's sincerity on nationalism.
- Event
- Independence Day celebrations at Red Fort, Delhi
- Date
- August 15 (80th Independence Day)
- New Element
- National song 'Vande Mataram' to be sung at Red Fort for the first time
- Theme
- Contribution of India's youth towards 'Viksit Bharat' (developed nation) by 2047
- Legislation
- Vande Mataram Bill passed in both Houses of Parliament
- Lead Celebrant
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi
- Defence Secretary
- R.K. Singh, who addressed a press conference on the theme
- Context
- Youth theme planned before recent student protests at Jantar Mantar