Shashi Tharoor Critiques Mandatory Full Rendition of Vande Mataram at Events
'Unnecessary and burdensome': Shashi Tharoor on full rendition of Vande Mataram at official events; BJP hits back

Image: Deccan Herald
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has criticized the requirement to sing all five verses of Vande Mataram at official events in Kerala, calling it 'unnecessary and burdensome.' He argues that the full rendition is not legally mandated and suggests it should be optional, while BJP officials counter that it is a national obligation.
- 01Tharoor labeled the full rendition of Vande Mataram at events as 'unnecessary and burdensome.'
- 02He noted that traditionally, the song is sung once at the start of an event, unlike the national anthem.
- 03The Kerala government maintains that the full version is optional, contrary to the views of the state's governor.
- 04Tharoor emphasized that the commonly sung portions of Vande Mataram are already widely respected.
- 05BJP spokesperson Amit Malviya asserted that singing the full version is a national requirement and not subject to state discretion.
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In a recent statement, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor expressed his concerns regarding the mandatory full rendition of Vande Mataram at official events in Kerala, describing it as 'unnecessary and burdensome' for attendees. Tharoor highlighted that while the national song is respected, its complete performance at both the start and end of events is difficult to justify. He pointed out that traditionally, the song is sung once at the beginning, similar to the national anthem, which is played separately. The Kerala government has indicated that singing the full version is optional, though this view contrasts with that of Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar. Tharoor noted that the issue may require legal clarification, as no parliamentary law mandates the full rendition. He expressed hope for an amicable resolution to the controversy. In response, BJP spokesperson Amit Malviya countered Tharoor's remarks, asserting that singing Vande Mataram in full is a national obligation that cannot be left to individual states.
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The debate over the rendition of Vande Mataram may influence official protocols at public events in Kerala.
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