The Congress and its ally, the National Conference, are in dispute over the performance of “Vande Mataram” in Jammu and Kashmir.
The controversy started after the full six stanzas of the national song were performed at the inaugural ceremony of the International Film Festival of Jammu & Kashmir (IFFJK) on September 7. Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and National Conference president Farooq Abdullah were among those present.
Congress opposes full rendition.
Congress expressed its displeasure at the entire performance and called on its allies to support its position of singing only the first two stanzas.
Congress general secretary K.C. Venugopal urged the National Conference to respect the stance taken during the freedom movement and the understanding over the national song. The issue has exposed the fact that the two parties are coalition partners in Jammu and Kashmir.
Omar Abdullah Questions Congress
Responding to the criticism, Omar Abdullah harshly criticized the Congress position.
The Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir asked whether Congress wanted more Kashmiris to be jailed over the issue. His remarks came as the dispute moved beyond the specific event and into a larger political debate about national symbols, legal obligations and individual choice.
Abdullah said if a law or legal requirement is in force, then it must be followed. He also said if Congress disagreed with the legislation, it should seek to change it through Parliament rather than expect people to ignore an existing legal requirement.
National Conference Clarifies Its Position.
Abdullah, despite his comments on legal compliance, said the National Conference does not endorse the full version of “Vande Mataram” as a party position.
His argument was that political disagreement with the song or its full version is separate from compliance with a legal requirement. This distinction is now a core element of the political dispute.
National Conference leaders also countered Congress criticism by highlighting examples of Congress leaders at which the full version was reportedly played or performed.
J&K Congress Also Raises Concerns
The dispute is not limited to the national Congress leadership. Jammu and Kashmir Congress president Tariq Hameed Karra also expressed concern about the complete rendition of the song.
Karra said national symbols and traditions are important to Indian public life and noted that India is a diverse country and hence in this regard, the issue of national symbols and traditions and its sensitivity.
