Archive · 21 Aug 2026
Rajnath Singh Calls Congress Vande Mataram Stand Unconstitutional
Rajnath Singh criticised the Congress party over its position on Vande Mataram.
Congress has reaffirmed a 1937 decision concerning singing only the song’s first two stanzas.
Singh said this position was unconstitutional and disrespectful to a national song.
He argued that Parliament’s laws must be followed by everyone.
He also said refusing to honour Vande Mataram could raise questions about patriotism.
Singh connected the old decision to Muslim League demands and the events that led to Partition.
Congress and the BJP disagree about how the song should be treated.
The argument is part of a larger political debate about Vande Mataram and Jana Gana Mana.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh criticised Congress for reaffirming its 1937 position on singing Vande Mataram.
Singh said opposing or refusing to honour the national song raised questions about constitutional loyalty and patriotism.
He linked the 1937 Congress resolution to Muslim League demands and circumstances that ultimately led to Partition.
Singh accused Congress of again compromising with what he called radical elements and warned of future consequences.
The dispute comes amid a broader debate over Vande Mataram’s status alongside the national anthem, Jana Gana Mana.
- Who
- Defence Minister Rajnath Singh criticised the Indian National Congress over its position on Vande Mataram.
- What
- Singh called the Congress position unconstitutional and reprehensible, while Congress reaffirmed its 1937 position on singing the song’s first two stanzas.
- When
- Singh made the remarks on Friday; the dispute followed a recent reaffirmation by the Congress Working Committee.
- Where
- His remarks were issued in a video message and a post on X; the report was datelined New Delhi.
- Why
- The dispute concerns Vande Mataram’s treatment, its legal and constitutional standing, and its place alongside the national anthem.
Congress Position
Rajnath Singh and BJP Criticism
How Vande Mataram Should Be Sung
Congress Position
Congress reaffirmed its 1937 position concerning the singing of only the first two stanzas of Vande Mataram.
Rajnath Singh and BJP Criticism
Rajnath Singh criticised the position as opposition to fully honouring the national song.
Constitutional and Patriotic Meaning
Congress Position
The articles report Congress’s position but do not provide a detailed constitutional justification from the party.
Rajnath Singh and BJP Criticism
Singh said refusal to follow Parliament or honour the national song could raise questions about constitutional loyalty and patriotism.
Historical Interpretation
Congress Position
The articles do not include Congress’s response to Singh’s interpretation of the 1937 resolution.
Rajnath Singh and BJP Criticism
Singh alleged that the resolution accommodated Muslim League demands and contributed to circumstances that culminated in Partition.
- Speaker
- Rajnath Singh, Defence Minister of India
- Target of criticism
- The Indian National Congress
- Congress position
- Congress reaffirmed its 1937 position limiting the singing of Vande Mataram to its first two stanzas.
- Singh’s characterization
- He called the position unconstitutional, reprehensible and a serious warning sign.
- Historical claim
- Singh alleged that the 1937 resolution accommodated Muslim League demands and contributed to circumstances culminating in Partition.
- Related national symbols
- The debate also concerns Vande Mataram’s status alongside Jana Gana Mana.
- Government context
- The BJP-led government has been encouraging ministers to communicate more actively through social media.
