BJP accuses Karnataka Congress of disrespecting national anthem after Vande Mataram decision

Bengaluru, August 20 — The Bharatiya Janata Party in Karnataka has accused the state Congress of insulting the nation’s anthem after the party’s working committee voted to sing only the first two lines of "Vande Mataram".

BJP spokespersons argued that the song, long associated with the Indian independence movement, should be performed in full to honour its historical significance. They warned that truncating the lyrics politicises a symbol of unity.

Congress leader B K Hariprasad defended the decision, noting that the original composition by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay indeed contained two verses. He urged the BJP to demonstrate their patriotism by playing the full national anthem at branch meetings.

The disagreement has moved to the Karnataka Legislative Assembly, where opposition member Aravind Bellad described the Congress stance as a clear sign that the party no longer aligns itself with Indian cultural values.