Senior Congress leader and Thiruvananthapuram MP Shashi Tharoor has clarified his party’s stance regarding the national song, Vande Mataram. Speaking in Thiruvananthapuram, Tharoor stated that the Congress party will continue its long-standing tradition of singing one stanza of the National Anthem alongside the first two stanzas of Vande Mataram during party events. Adherence to Party Tradition and Protocol Party Practice: Tharoor emphasized that Congress functions adhere to a set format established decades ago, which balances both national symbols. Government Protocols: He noted that during official state or national functions, all attendees are expected to stand and pay full respect according to the specific protocols of the event. Format Distinction: The practice depends on the nature of the event—whether it is a formal government ceremony or an internal party gathering. VIDEO | Keralam: Congress MP Shashi Tharoor says "The Congress has maintained the position adopted in 1937, when the party decided that only the first two stanzas of 'Vande Mataram' would be sung at public gatherings. The Congress Working Committee reaffirmed the decision on… pic.twitter.com/r8PazBslsQ— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) August 22, 2026 Historical Context of the 1937 Decision Written by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, Vande Mataram played a major role in the Indian independence movement. While the opening two stanzas express reverence for the motherland, subsequent stanzas incorporate religious symbolism. In 1937, following objections raised by Muslim leaders and the Muslim League regarding these religious references, the Congress leadership—with the consensus of leaders like Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru—decided that only the first two stanzas would be recited at national gatherings. Tharoor affirmed that the party continues to honor this historical decision. Post navigation UP Politics: RLD Challenges Samajwadi Party’s Muslim Vote Bank Strategy Amid Rising Coalition Tensions
