The Karnataka government has adopted a new resolution regarding the performance of the national anthem Vande Mataram at state events. According to this decision, only the first two verses of the anthem will be performed at most state programs.
However, if the event is attended by the President, Vice-President, Prime Minister, or Governor, the entire six-verse anthem will be performed in full.
This decision by the state government comes against the backdrop of the federal government issuing corresponding directives concerning the performance of all six verses of Vande Mataram. The Karnataka government explained its choice by stating that it was made to maintain uniformity, dignity, and proper protocol during the performance and rendition of the anthem at various state events.
The preamble of the resolution emphasized that Vande Mataram played an important role in strengthening the sense of patriotism, unity, and nationalism during the Indian independence movement.
According to the directive, only the first two verses of Vande Mataram will be played at general state events organized by the Karnataka government. Nevertheless, at events attended by the President, Vice-President, Prime Minister, or Governor, the full version of the anthem consisting of six verses will be performed.
The state government clarified that the Ministry of Home Affairs of the central government issued guidelines regarding the official version of the anthem and the protocol for its performance or reproduction at various state and public events. These instructions formed the basis of the rules established for events in the state.
The central government instructed in January that when Vande Mataram and the national anthem Jana Gana Mana are performed or played simultaneously, Vande Mataram should be presented in its complete form of six verses before Jana Gana Mana. This order was issued on the occasion of the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram.
Furthermore, the Congress Committee decided on August 19 to follow its 1937 proposal, according to which only two verses of Vande Mataram would be performed at party events. On this matter, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) criticized the Congress for refusing to perform the full version of the anthem, accusing Congress leaders of insulting the national anthem.