NEW DELHI, AUG 22 (PTI): The BJP on Saturday passed a resolution condemning the Congress’ decision to sing only two stanzas of Vande Mataram at party events, saying it would not accept any compromise on the national song’s honour for political convenience or appeasement.
The resolution, passed at a meeting of the BJP’s new office-bearers chaired by party president Nitin Nabin, said the Congress Working Committee’s August 19 decision to reaffirm its 1937 resolution could not override constitutional institutions or laws.
The BJP said it would oppose attempts to subject Vande Mataram to “communal pressure, political appeasement or narrow vote-bank politics” and announced a nationwide campaign to spread awareness about the song’s history, significance and legacy.
Nabin said the 1937 “political compromise” could not be placed above the constitutional settlement of 1950 and legislation enacted by Parliament in 2026.
Parliament on July 30 passed the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Act, 2026, granting Vande Mataram the same legal status as the national anthem, Jana Gana Mana.
Under the amended law, intentionally disrupting or preventing its singing is punishable with up to three years’ imprisonment, a fine, or both.
The BJP said its campaign would particularly focus on younger generations and highlight the complete national song, comprising six verses, and its role in India’s freedom struggle.
It also cited Mahatma Gandhi’s description of Vande Mataram as an “anti-imperialist slogan” linked to the “purest national sentiment”.
Nabin said the issue concerned not merely a political party but “the honour of Bharat” and the legacy of those who sacrificed for freedom.
He said the song’s association with the freedom movement should not be reduced to contemporary political calculations.
The BJP had earlier announced a new national team under Nabin, comprising 65 office-bearers, including 51 new faces. Saturday’s meeting also discussed preparations for upcoming Assembly elections, grassroots mobilisation and communicating government initiatives.
