National Conference and Congress clash over Vande Mataram rendition

A political dispute has emerged between alliance partners the National Conference (NC) and the Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) following the rendition of the full version of the national song, Vande Mataram, at the inauguration of an international film festival in Srinagar.

JKPCC chief Tariq Hameed Karra criticized the decision, arguing that the version of the song adopted after Independence was intended to balance historical significance with India’s plural character and constitutional guarantees. Karra stated that national symbols should accommodate the country’s diversity to ensure all citizens feel equally at home, rather than asking diversity to accommodate the symbols.

In response, NC leadership, including Omar Abdullah, has backed the use of the full version. The disagreement has also drawn criticism from the BJP regarding the Congress party's stance on the national song.