Will sing only 2 Vande Mataram stanzas: DK Shivakumar stands by Congress stance

Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has said that he will sing only two stanzas of the national song Vande Mataram at public events. He said his decision is in line with the position taken by the Congress party.

The statement comes amid a wider discussion about how Vande Mataram should be sung and which portions should be used at official and public programmes. The song has a long history in India’s freedom movement and continues to be an important part of the country’s political and cultural discussions.

Shivakumar made it clear that his decision is connected to his support for the Congress party’s view. He said he would follow the approach supported by the party rather than take a separate position on the issue.

Vande Mataram was written by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay and became an important symbol during India’s struggle for independence. Over the years, the song has been performed at government functions, political programmes, schools, and other public events.

The use of different stanzas of the song has sometimes led to political and public debate. Different groups have expressed different views about which portions should be performed at official events.

Shivakumar’s latest statement adds to this ongoing discussion. As a senior Congress leader and Karnataka Chief Minister, his comments have attracted attention beyond the state.

The decision also shows how issues related to national symbols can become part of political discussions. Political parties may have different views on how such symbols should be used at public programmes.

For now, Shivakumar has said that he will follow the Congress position and sing two stanzas of Vande Mataram at public events. The issue is expected to remain part of the wider debate over the use and presentation of the national song.