Srinagar, September 9 – The Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee chief, Tariq Hameed Karra, sparked controversy after condemning the National Conference for singing the full version of Vande Mataram at the opening ceremony of the International Film Festival Jammu and Kashmir.
Karra posted on X, stressing that national symbols must reflect India’s pluralism. He said the alliance partner’s choice to perform the full version of Vande Mataram ignored the evolution of the song’s role in India’s constitutional life. He argued that the post‑Independence version balances historic significance with respect for diverse conscience, and that symbols should accommodate all citizens, not the other way around.
In response, National Conference spokesperson Tanvir Sadiq highlighted that the full rendition had already been performed in Congress‑ruled Karnataka during a meeting with Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar. He shared a video of the performance and urged Karra to review the example set by the Congress‑ruled state. In January 2026, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs issued new guidelines mandating that all six stanzas of the national song be played or sung at official events.
