Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday (August 21, 2026) criticised the Congress over its stand on Vande Mataram, saying its “opposition” to the National Song raised constitutional and political concerns.

The Congress Working Committee, citing its 1937 resolution, had decided to sing only two stanzas (of the total six) of the National Song at party events.

“The Congress formally refusing to respect Vande Mataram, and not merely refusing but directly opposing it, is extremely unfortunate and, from a constitutional perspective, a very serious matter,” Mr. Singh said.

‘Patriotism under question mark’

Stating that Parliament is the supreme institution of the country as per the Constitution, he said any law passed by it is binding on every individual. “If anyone refuses to abide by it, then certainly their allegiance to the Constitution comes under a cloud of suspicion, and if anyone refuses to respect the National Song, then their patriotism too comes under a question mark,” said Mr. Singh.

He said the 1937 resolution of the CWC to sing only two stanzas of the National Song was passed by bowing before the “extremist demands of the Muslim League”. The country, he said, subsequently had to suffer its consequences in the form of Partition.

“Compromising before extremist elements has always proved disastrous for the country, and today, when the Congress is surrendering to extremist elements in the same manner, it is a sign of a serious threat to the future of the country,” Mr. Singh said.

“I believe that the Congress’s decision is completely unconstitutional and condemnable, and politically, it has the potential to create a serious crisis in the future. By opposing Vande Mataram, the Congress has revealed before the country its thoughtless and dangerous intentions,” he added.

Published - August 21, 2026 10:49 pm IST