‘Can patience be legislated?’: Tharoor’s Vande Mataram post draws BJP’s ire

On the eve of the national holiday, Congress leader Shashi Tharoor's social media post discussing the duration required to recite Vande Mataram has ignited a firestorm among BJP officials. Under scrutiny is the length of time needed to sing the full rendition of Vande Mataram, which can take up to 3 minutes and 10 seconds. Tharoor expressed his respect for both national songs, but pointed out that the law criminalizing disrespect towards Vande Mataram was enacted without thorough debate, and neglected to consider human patience.

The BJP's spokesperson, C R Kesavan, deemed Tharoor's remarks "callous" and charged Congress with dishonoring the sacrifices made by the nation's freedom fighters. Kesavan raised a pertinent question: can respect and patience truly be legislated? BJP officials argue that the proposed bill intends to elevate Vande Mataram to the same stature as Jana Gana Mana, but the full-length rendition of Vande Mataram would require audiences to stand still for a grueling 12 extra minutes before and after every event, a notion many find unrealistic.

Nehru's original letter to Jana Sangh founder Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee from June 21, 1948, shed light on his reluctance to adopt Vande Mataram as the national anthem, citing the challenges of orchestral and band performances. He appreciated Jana Gana Mana for its tune and its international appeal. Tharoor's remarks come as the BJP prepares to restore the full version of Vande Mataram in its original form at public events, including the Red Fort on Independence Day.