Union Home Minister Amit Shah has criticised the Congress Working Committee's decision to sing only two stanzas of Vande Mataram instead of performing the complete rendition.

Speaking to the media, Shah said the decision amounted to an open defiance of a law passed by Parliament. He described the move as “anti-national” and accused Congress of returning to what he called appeasement politics.

Shah Raises Historical Reference

Shah claimed that Congress had divided Vande Mataram into two parts in 1937, alleging that the decision was taken to pursue what he described as appeasement.

He said the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram provided an opportunity for the central government to address what he described as a historical mistake.

According to Shah, the government gave the complete song legal recognition as part of the anniversary-related measures.

Congress Decision Draws Political Criticism

Shah alleged that Congress, under the leadership of Rahul Gandhi, was once again following a policy of appeasement for electoral and vote-bank politics.

His remarks came after the Congress Working Committee decided to retain the singing of two stanzas of Vande Mataram rather than the complete version.

The issue has added another point of political disagreement between the ruling BJP and Congress, with the two parties taking different positions on the rendition and historical significance of the national song.

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Vande Mataram Remains a Political Issue

Vande Mataram has played an important role in India's freedom movement and continues to hold a prominent place in the country's national life.

Shah's criticism reflects the BJP's broader argument that the complete rendition should receive recognition, while Congress has maintained its position on the version to be sung at its events.

The disagreement is likely to remain part of the wider political debate over India's national symbols, history and competing interpretations of the freedom movement.