Governor asks CM to reconsider two-stanza Vande Mataram order

Bengaluru: GovernorThaawarchand Gehlot has written to Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar seeking reconsideration of the State government’s decision to restrict the rendition of Vande Mataram to its first two stanzas at official programmes.

In a four-page communication, the Governor referred to guidelines issued by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs concerning the National Song and National Anthem. He questioned whether the State government could prescribe a shortened version of Vande Mataram for its official functions when the Centre has prescribed an official version for rendition.

The State government had issued its order on September 8, directing that only the first two stanzas be sung or played at State government programmes and official functions. The order, however, made an exception for events attended by the President, Vice-President, Prime Minister or Governor, where the complete version could be rendered.

Gehlot has maintained that the matter goes beyond administrative convenience and involves adherence to the prescribed protocol concerning the National Song. He has asked the Chief Minister to examine the constitutional and legal aspects of the order and reconsider the decision. The Governor’s communication comes a day after the issue triggered a confrontation in the Karnataka Legislature. During the opening of the three-day special session, the official rendition ended after two stanzas, following which BJP legislators continued singing the remaining stanzas and raised slogans against the government.

The special session has been convened to discuss drought and the Kasturirangan report on the Western Ghats. The Governor’s intervention has now added a constitutional dimension to the continuing debate over the State government’s Vande Mataram order.