BJP Chief Nitin Nabin Criticises Congress Over Vande Mataram Decision, Compares Party to Muslim League
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) National President Nitin Nabin has strongly criticised the Congress following its formal decision to sing only the first two stanzas of Vande Mataram at party events. In a statement shared on social media platform X, Nabin accused the opposition party of adopting policies reminiscent of the Muslim League in pursuit of votes.
What Happened
On Wednesday, August 19, the Congress Working Committee (CWC) decided that party gatherings will henceforth include only the first two stanzas of Vande Mataram, citing a 1937 resolution passed by its highest decision-making body. Reacting to this decision on Thursday, August 20, 2026, BJP President Nitin Nabin posted his response in Hindi on X, stating that the Congress had formalised what he termed an insult into an official party resolution.
Nabin stated that the decision showed disdain for martyrs who gave their lives for the country while holding the invocation to Bharat Mata in their consciousness. He further labelled the Congress the ‘new Muslim League’ today, arguing that the stance reflects vote bank politics at the expense of national self-respect.
The criticism also made reference to an earlier row during an August 15 Independence Day programme at the Congress office regarding the singing of the full song. While the Congress had previously referred to that episode involving an individual’s conduct as a coincidence, Nabin claimed that the stance has now been turned into official party policy.
Key Highlights
- CWC Decision: The Congress Working Committee decided on August 19 to follow its 1937 resolution and sing only the first two stanzas of the National Song at all party forums.
- BJP Reaction: BJP chief Nitin Nabin condemned the move on August 20, 2026, describing it as an insult to Bharat Mata and freedom fighters.
- Muslim League Comparison: Nabin remarked that the Congress had transformed into the ‘new Muslim League’ to appeal to its vote bank.
- Independence Day Incident: The reaction followed an August 15 controversy at the Congress office over the song’s rendition, which the Congress had earlier dismissed as a coincidence.
Why This Matters
The development highlights sharp political disagreement between the ruling BJP and the primary opposition party concerning national symbols, their historical context, and party protocols. The debate brings renewed political focus to the Congress’s 1937 resolution on the National Song and fuels ongoing disputes regarding vote bank considerations versus national heritage.
What to Watch Next
Observers will watch whether further details or formal responses emerge from Congress leaders regarding party protocol and how the political debate around the rendition of Vande Mataram continues to unfold across political platforms.
Frequently Asked Questions
What decision did the Congress Working Committee make regarding Vande Mataram?
The Congress Working Committee decided on August 19 to adhere to its 1937 resolution, establishing that only the first two stanzas of Vande Mataram will be sung at all party events.
Why did BJP President Nitin Nabin criticise the Congress?
Nitin Nabin accused the Congress of disrespecting martyrs and Bharat Mata, alleging that limiting the song to two stanzas was done for vote bank politics and comparing the party to the ‘new Muslim League’.
What prior incident was mentioned in the controversy?
A row occurred on August 15 during an Independence Day event at the Congress office involving the singing of the full version of the song, which Congress had previously dismissed as an individual coincidence.
Source: The Hindu