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Indian political disputes over Vande Mataram and Ram Mandir

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2026-08-20 15:32 UTC → 2026-08-21 05:28 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Political tensions in India have intensified following controversies involving the national song, Vande Mataram, and the management of the Shri Ram Mandir. Hindu activist Sadhvi Prachi criticized the Congress party, accusing the Gandhi and Nehru families of working against India’s progress and insulting the national song. Prachi also expressed support for a proposed dress code at the Shri Ram Mandir to maintain temple sanctity. In response, Congress Rajya Sabha member Renuka Chowdhury criticized the central government’s handling of investigations into donation irregularities at the Ram Mandir. Chowdhury questioned a Special Investigation Team (SIT) decision to grant a clean chit to former trust officials, suggesting the probe protected high-level figures. She further argued that the Vande Mataram controversy is being utilized as a political tool to divert public attention from issues such as NEET paper leaks. The Congress Working Committee (CWC) has formalized its stance on the national song, resolving to adhere to a 1937 decision to sing only the first two stanzas of ‘Vande Mataram’ at all party programs. General Secretary K C Venugopal and Jayram Ramesh stated the party stands by the decision of historical leaders, including Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, and Sardar Patel, and accused the BJP of using the issue for political purposes. Mani Shankar Aiyar further defended the stance, noting the 1937 decision was made on the advice of Rabindranath Tagore. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has condemned this move. National President Nitin Nabin and other leaders have accused the Congress of formalizing an insult to the national song, with some representatives labeling the party the ‘new Muslim League’. Home Minister Amit Shah has characterized the decision as ‘appeasement politics’, ~~further~~ also claiming the 1937 decision contributed to the historical circumstances leading to the Partition of India.

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