BJP-ruled Nagpur civic body sings 2 stanzas of Vande Mataram

Nagpur's BJP-controlled municipal body performed merely two stanzas of Vande Mataram during its recent general body meeting, drawing attention to an administrative oversight. This action aligns with the broader criticism faced by the BJP and its allies, who have faulted Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and national president Mallikarjun Kharge for their partial rendition of the national song.

The incident occurred at Niyojan Bhavan in Sadar, where Vande Mataram is traditionally sung before the House proceedings commence. Following a reported directive from the center, the complete rendition of Vande Mataram, consisting of six stanzas, is now expected at all government and official functions. However, the civic administration's failure to implement this directive has left questions unanswered regarding the reason behind the unchanged practice.

Municipal secretary Ranjana Lade initially claimed that the entire song was sung, but later acknowledged the discrepancy upon being informed of the error. This incident has exposed a gap between the BJP's political stance on Vande Mataram and its practical application within the civic body it governs. Legal protection for the national song has been bolstered with the enactment of the National Honour Insult Prevention Act in 2026, which criminalizes insults, disruptions, or interference with its rendition.