The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) passed a 10-point resolution on Saturday against the Congress Working Committee’s decision on Vande Mataram. The Congress Working Committee reaffirmed its 1937 resolution on August 19, 2026. It decided to restrict the singing of Vande Mataram to its first two stanzas at Congress programmes.
The BJP strongly opposed the move. It said the complete National Song holds an important place in India’s freedom struggle and national consciousness. The party also cited Mahatma Gandhi’s description of Vande Mataram as an “anti-imperialist cry” linked to the “purest national spirit”.
Today, on 22nd August 2026, the Bharatiya Janata Party passed an important resolution regarding the honour and protection of the historical legacy of Vande Mataram.
— Nitin Nabin (@NitinNabin) August 22, 2026
The Bharatiya Janata Party strongly condemns and unequivocally opposes the decision taken by the Congress Working… pic.twitter.com/pcMiq4qBfF
BJP Defends Complete Vande Mataram
The BJP said it would protect the honour, dignity and legacy of the complete Vande Mataram. It described the National Song as an important symbol of India’s national identity and freedom movement.
The party also said Vande Mataram has constitutional and statutory recognition. It referred to the Constituent Assembly’s 1950 decision and the 2026 amendment by Parliament that, according to the resolution, gives the National Song protection equivalent to that of the National Anthem.
BJP Targets Congress’ 1937 Resolution
The BJP said the Congress Working Committee cannot use its 1937 resolution to override India’s constitutional institutions or laws.
The party argued that a political decision taken in 1937 cannot take priority over the constitutional settlement of 1950 or legislation passed by Parliament in 2026.
The BJP also said it would explain the historical circumstances behind the decision to limit Vande Mataram. It plans to highlight the objections raised by the Muslim League and the politics of communal and separatist demands that followed.
BJP Cites Mahatma Gandhi
The BJP also invoked Mahatma Gandhi’s views on the National Song. The resolution said Gandhi described Vande Mataram as an “anti-imperialist cry”. It also recalled his reference to the song as representing “the purest national spirit”.
The BJP said these comments show that Vande Mataram has a wider national significance. It argued that the song’s importance goes beyond the literary or religious interpretation of individual stanzas.
Nationwide Vande Mataram Campaign
The BJP plans to launch a nationwide campaign to spread awareness about Vande Mataram. Party workers, or Karyakartas, will take the history, meaning and national importance of the song to people across the country.
The party will also focus on younger generations. It wants young people to learn about the complete six-stanza National Song and its historical background.
The BJP said the campaign will highlight the sacrifices, struggles and patriotic awakening associated with Vande Mataram during India’s freedom movement.
BJP Rejects Political Compromise
The final points of the resolution stress that the party will not accept any compromise on the honour and legacy of Vande Mataram for political convenience. The BJP said the National Song should not be subjected to “communal pressure, political appeasement or narrow vote-bank considerations”.
Through the 10-point resolution, the party has positioned the complete Vande Mataram as a central part of its campaign on national identity, historical memory and the freedom struggle.