Bengaluru, September 23 (Daily Kiran) : Karnataka Congress President BK Hariprasad expressed his approval of the Supreme Court’s recent statement on September 23, 2026, which clarified that individuals cannot be deemed criminals for not singing “Vande Mataram.” Hariprasad emphasized that the court’s perspective reinforces democratic and constitutional principles.
He noted that the Congress party has already decided that only the first two verses of “Vande Mataram” will be sung at government events. This decision reflects the party’s clear stance on the issue.
According to Hariprasad, patriotism should not compel individuals to sing a specific song. Instead, it should honor the Constitution, the country’s diversity, and the freedom of conscience of every citizen. He recalled that during the freedom struggle, national leaders engaged in serious discussions about “Vande Mataram,” ultimately finding a way to respect India’s pluralism.
He criticized the central government’s recent mandate requiring the singing of all six verses of “Vande Mataram,” stating that no one opposes the song itself. However, he argued that the respect for the song should not come at the expense of the Constitution. He asserted that citizens should not have to seek a “certificate of patriotism” from the BJP, as every individual has the right to love their country and act according to their conscience.
Hariprasad also condemned the BJP’s actions during a recent Karnataka Assembly session, which highlighted the party’s political inconsistencies. He pointed out that BJP members insisted on singing the full version of “Vande Mataram” in opposition to the government’s decision to sing only the first two verses. When members of the ruling party paused after the initial verses to read the Constitution’s preamble, opposition members continued singing the entire song.
He mocked BJP members for using printed copies while singing, questioning their familiarity with the lyrics. Hariprasad remarked on the irony of the BJP, which made a significant political issue out of singing the full version, not being able to remember the lyrics. He suggested that failing to sing or read the lyrics properly is a significant political contradiction.
Referencing the Supreme Court’s statement, he noted that BJP members who struggled to sing “Vande Mataram” could at least find some relief in the ruling. He expressed that this incident provided him with a sense of satisfaction.
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