Congress chose appeasement over nation by truncating Vande Mataram, says Haryana CM Saini

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Friday, February 27, 2026, alleged that the Congress party shortened ‘Vande Mataram’ and compromised the national song under pressure from the Muslim League in 1937, allowing appeasement policies to override national sentiments.

He spoke during the discussion of the motion of thanks to the Governor in the ongoing budget session in the State Assembly. “It is a matter of great pride that this year’s budget session begins with Vande Mataram,” he said, adding that those who question his singing should reflect on their own historical record. He said the completion of the 150-year-old ‘Vande Mataram’ is not just a ceremonial milestone but also a 150-year saga of national awakening, sacrifice and cultural self-respect.

Meanwhile, Congress legislators briefly walked out of the House as a show of protest.

The Prime Minister said that on August 15, 1947, on the request of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Pandit Omkar Nath Thakur sang Vande Mataram on All India Radio and on January 24, 1950, equal respect was given to the National Anthem and the National Song was declared by the Constituent Assembly.

Mr. Saini said that in 1937, in the face of opposition from the Muslim League led by Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the Congress leadership launched a review instead of staunchly defending the song. “The then Congress President Jawaharlal Nehru wrote a letter to Subhas Chandra Bose expressing concerns that the background of ‘Anand Math’ might offend Muslims. Later, on October 26, 1937, the Congress Working Committee reviewed the matter and shortened Vande Mataram,” he said.

“This was the moment when the Congress chose political appeasement over national pride,” the Prime Minister said, adding that history had witnessed compromise made under pressure.