Thiruvananthapuram: Senior Congress leader and Lok Sabha MP Shashi Tharoor said it is unnecessary to insist on singing all five stanzas of the national song “Vande Mataram” at the beginning and end of government programmes, calling it burdensome for audiences.
His remarks come after the Union Home Ministry issued an advisory to state governments to have the full song sung before the national anthem at government, school and college events. Following this, BJP-ruled states and programmes hosted by Raj Bhavans have been singing the song in full, while opposition-ruled states have not uniformly followed the practice.
Tharoor said most people know only the first two stanzas by heart, and that expecting audiences to stand twice and listen to a long, unfamiliar rendition amounts to an unnecessary imposition.
He also referred to Kerala Chief Minister Satheesan’s position that singing “Vande Mataram” should remain optional, while noting that Governor Arlekar holds a differing view. Since no law has been enacted in Parliament on the matter, Tharoor said a legal resolution is needed.
Separately, BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla criticised the Congress, alleging the party was opposing the full version of “Vande Mataram” and calling Tharoor’s remarks condemnable.
