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The Karnataka government has issued an order directing the singing of the first two stanzas of Vande Mataram at all state government programmes.
However, the order underlines that all six verses of the national song will be sung at events attended by the President, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Governor. The decision was taken based on the guidelines issued by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs through a letter. In the order, the state government said that Vande Mataram played a significant role in India's national movement and helped instil the spirit of nationalism, unity, and patriotism among citizens. The Ministry of Home Affairs has issued the official version of the National Song 'Vande Mataram' along with guidelines regarding its playing and singing at various official and public functions. The guidelines separately specify provisions for playing and mass singing of the song. The Karnataka government, while emphasising the need to maintain uniformity, dignity and proper decorum in connection with the singing and playing of Vande Mataram at government programmes and celebrations, issued the directions following a Cabinet decision. Copies of the order have been sent to all Additional Chief Secretaries, Principal Secretaries, Secretaries, Legislature Secretariat, Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC), Director General of Police and Inspector General of Police (DGP & IGP), Private Secretaries to all Ministers, Special Secretary to the Governor, Regional Commissioners, Deputy Commissioners, Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officers, heads of departments, Vice Chancellors of universities and others. The order comes amid a political controversy between the Congress and the BJP over the singing of Vande Mataram at official events, with the Centre mandating the singing of the full six-stanza rendition of the National Song at its programmes. (ANI)
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