Shiv Sena Criticizes Congress Over Vande Mataram Controversy

Mumbai, September 22 (Daily Kiran) : The ongoing dispute over the singing of ‘Vande Mataram’ in the Karnataka Assembly and Legislative Council has drawn sharp criticism from the Shiv Sena towards the Congress party. On September 22, 2026, Shiv Sena spokesperson Sanjay Nirupam expressed his views during an interview, labeling the Congress leaders’ actions as shameful.

Nirupam emphasized that the authority to legislate in India lies with Parliament. Once Parliament establishes a law regarding ‘Vande Mataram’, all state governments are obligated to comply. He argued that no individual or political party should impose its own regulations contrary to this.

He criticized Congress for joining the ranks of those opposing ‘Vande Mataram’, stating, “The British opposed ‘Vande Mataram’, and now some Muslim groups have also raised objections. It is disheartening to see the Congress party align with these opponents.” He further stated that ‘Vande Mataram’ represents the essence of India’s freedom struggle and that opposing it is an affront to the nation’s culture and spirit.

In response to Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge’s comments regarding the Election Commission’s SIR process, Nirupam dismissed the claims as unfounded. He pointed out that the SIR process is not intended to target any specific party or individual but aims to clean and update outdated voter lists.

Nirupam noted that even prominent figures, including the Vice President and former central ministers, have had their names removed from voter lists in Delhi. With millions of names in these lists, such errors can occur, and the process to rectify them is ongoing.

He accused Congress of unnecessarily escalating the issue and portraying it as a monstrous program. In reality, he insisted, it is a necessary effort to purify the voter lists. He asserted that the Election Commission is a constitutional body, and making accusations against it undermines democracy. Instead of blaming the Election Commission for its electoral losses, Congress should engage in self-reflection, he concluded.