In a significant move, the Indian government has decided to amend the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971, to grant 'Vande Mataram', the national song written by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, the same legal status as the national anthem, 'Jana Gana Mana'. This decision was made during a cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, following the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) historic victory in the West Bengal assembly elections, where they secured 207 out of 294 seats, diminishing the Trinamool Congress's hold to 80 seats. The amendment will introduce penalties similar to those for insulting the national anthem, which can include imprisonment for up to three years or fines. This follows previous amendments aimed at protecting national symbols, including restrictions on the disrespectful use of the Indian flag. The cabinet's decision reflects a growing sentiment in Parliament, where discussions have previously called for 'Vande Mataram' to receive equal recognition.