Union Home Minister Amit Shah has criticised Congress over its decision to sing only the first two stanzas of Vande Mataram at party events, accusing it of appeasement and disrespecting those who fought for India's independence. Shah linked Congress' 1937 resolution on the song to the circumstances that eventually led to Partition. The Centre has mandated the complete six-stanza version at official functions, describing the move as a step towards national integration. Congress has defended its position by citing historical decisions involving leaders such as Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru. The party has also accused the BJP of politicising the issue to divert attention from other controversies.
