Only First Two Stanzas Of Vande Mataram Sung At Congress Goa Event In Kharge’s Presence

News india Only First Two Stanzas Of Vande Mataram Sung At Congress Goa Event In Kharge’s PresenceLast Updated:August 17, 2026, 20:54 ISTParliament passed the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026, which gives Vande Mataram the same statutory legal protection as the National Anthem.Rapid ReadRapid ReadSummarized by AI.+Congress sang only 2 stanzas of Vande Mataram in Goa.New protocol requires full 6-stanza Vande Mataram.Vande Mataram now has same legal protection as National Anthem.Got Question about the News?Kharge was addressing booth-level agents and party workers at Verna when the song was sung.Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and several party members reportedly sang only the first two stanzas of Vande Mataram at a party event in Goa on Monday, days after the BJP accused Sonia Gandhi of allegedly attempting to stop the national song midway during an Independence Day programme.Kharge was addressing booth-level agents and party workers at Verna when the song was sung.Recommended StoriesBRICS Summit 2026: Here Are The 5 Biggest Takeaways From The Historic New Delhi EditionUttarakhand’s Road Safety Crisis: 775 Killed In Accidents In First 7 Months This YearAdult Film Star, Audi & Arms: Viral Video Raises Fresh Questions Over Odisha's Rourkela Circuit HouseWoman Dies Nearly Six Months After Love Marriage, Husband Held Over Rs 30 Lakh & SUV Dowry DemandThe development comes amid a fresh political controversy over the singing of Vande Mataram and the protocol surrounding the national song at official events.During his address, Kharge launched a sharp attack on the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling the BJP a “government of thieves".“The BJP forms its government by breaking other parties and buying MLAs, and then lectures the world on morality," Kharge said.Targeting Modi, Kharge said people were seeing the Prime Minister on television more often than they saw God.He also criticised the Centre over demonetisation, unemployment and what he described as the growing influence of the Prime Minister’s wealthy associates.“Demonetisation has wiped out jobs. There’s severe unemployment in the country, and the reason for that is Narendra Modi. On top of that, his rich friends are taking over everywhere," Kharge said.“All in all — Narendra Modi and Amit Shah together are ruining the country," he added.Fresh Vande Mataram protocolThe controversy comes shortly after the Union Home Ministry issued fresh directives formalising the ceremonial status and protocol for Vande Mataram at public and government events.Under the new protocol, the complete six-stanza version of the song, lasting around three minutes and 10 seconds, is to be performed during major state occasions. These include flag-hoisting ceremonies, the formal arrival and departure of the President and Governors, and before and after their scheduled addresses at such events.The guidelines also lay down expected standards of decorum for attendees, stressing respect for both Vande Mataram and the National Anthem.The issue has also gained political significance following the recent controversy involving Sonia Gandhi. The BJP had accused the Congress leader of allegedly attempting to stop the singing of Vande Mataram midway during an Independence Day event, a charge that triggered a political row.Meanwhile, Parliament has passed the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026, which gives Vande Mataram the same statutory legal protection as the National Anthem.Under the amended law, intentional disruption of, or attempts to prevent, the singing of the National Song are punishable offences.News18 NewsletterHandpicked stories, in your inboxA newsletter with the best of our journalismQuick AnswersPowered byAsk News18The Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026, has been passed, giving Vande Mataram the same legal protection as the National Anthem. Under new protocol, the complete six-stanza version, lasting approximately three minutes and ten seconds, is to be performed during major state occasions. Intentionally obstructing the singing of Vande Mataram is now a punishable offence, carrying a penalty of up to three years in jail or a fine, or both.Powered byAsk News18About the AuthorSaurabh VermaChief Sub-EditorSaurabh Verma is a Chief Sub-Editor at News18.com, specializing in Indian politics, national current affairs, and breaking global news. With years of experience tracking power shifts, election strateg...Read MoreLocation :Panaji (Panjim, India, IndiaFirst Published:August 17, 2026, 20:54 ISTDisclaimer: Comments reflect users’ views, not News18’s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.Loading comments...Read More