Stories
Kharge Sings Only Two Stanzas of Vande Mataram at Goa Event Amidst Protocol Row
- •Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and party members sang only the first two stanzas of Vande Mataram at a Goa event, sparking controversy.
- •This incident follows a BJP accusation against Sonia Gandhi for allegedly attempting to stop the national song midway during an Independence Day program.
- •Kharge criticized the BJP and PM Modi, calling the BJP a “government of thieves” and blaming Modi for unemployment and demonetization.
- •The Union Home Ministry recently issued new directives formalizing Vande Mataram's ceremonial status, requiring the full six-stanza version for major state occasions.
- •Parliament passed the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026, granting Vande Mataram the same legal protection as the National Anthem.
Key Questions Answered
The Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026, has been passed, giving Vande Mataram the same legal protection as the National Anthem. Under new protocol, the complete six-stanza version, lasting approximately three minutes and ten seconds, is to be performed during major state occasions. Intentionally obstructing the singing of Vande Mataram is now a punishable offence, carrying a penalty of up to three years in jail or a fine, or both.
The new law, the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026, gives Vande Mataram the same statutory legal protection as the National Anthem. This means that insulting the national song or intentionally obstructing its singing can result in imprisonment for up to three years, a fine, or both.
