The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Karnataka is set to launch a five-day state-wide padayatra from September 15 over the ongoing controversy surrounding the singing of Vande Mataram at government programmes. The march will cover all 224 Assembly constituencies in Karnataka, with BJP workers and members of the public expected to participate.
The decision was announced by Karnataka BJP president B Y Vijayendra, who said the party would use the campaign to oppose the state government’s decision to restrict the rendition of Vande Mataram at official functions.
BJP to March Across 224 Constituencies
According to the BJP, workers will conduct marches in their respective constituencies during the five-day programme. They are also expected to meet tahsildars and deputy commissioners and submit memoranda demanding that the Karnataka government withdraw its order.
Vijayendra said Vande Mataram is more than a song and described it as an important symbol of India’s freedom struggle and national consciousness. The BJP has strongly objected to the Karnataka government’s decision to prescribe only the first two stanzas for most state government programmes.
What Is the Vande Mataram Row?
The controversy began after the Karnataka government directed that only the first two stanzas of Vande Mataram be sung at most state government programmes. The order provides an exception for events attended by the President, Vice-President, Prime Minister or Governor, where all six stanzas are to be sung.
The BJP has opposed the decision and argued that the complete version of the National Song should be respected. Vijayendra has also pointed to the Centre’s guidelines on the rendition of Vande Mataram and criticised the state government’s approach.
Political Battle Between BJP and Congress
The issue has developed into another political confrontation between the BJP and the ruling Congress in Karnataka. BJP leaders have accused the state government of restricting the National Song for political reasons, while Congress leaders have defended their position and accused the BJP of attempting to politicise the issue.
The Congress Working Committee had also reaffirmed its historical position regarding the rendition of Vande Mataram at party events, adding another dimension to the political debate.
Five-Day Campaign Begins September 15
The BJP’s latest padayatra comes shortly after the party completed its Ballari Chalo campaign. The new statewide mobilisation is expected to bring the Vande Mataram controversy into focus across Karnataka’s 224 Assembly constituencies.
The BJP has said its immediate objective is to pressure the state government to reconsider its decision. The campaign could further intensify the political debate over the National Song, government protocol and the competing positions of the BJP and Congress in Karnataka.