For this article:

12 Dec 2025·Source: The Indian Express
2 min
Polity & GovernancePolity & GovernancePolity & GovernanceNEWS

BJP Chief Calls for Equal Status for Vande Mataram

BJP Chief Calls for Equal Status for Vande Mataram

Photo by Matt Boitor

BJP National President J.P. Nadda has advocated for Vande Mataram, India's national song, to be granted the same status as the national anthem, Jana Gana Mana. Speaking at a book launch, Nadda emphasized the historical significance of Vande Mataram during India's independence movement, highlighting its role in inspiring freedom fighters. He argued that recognizing Vande Mataram on par with the national anthem would honor the sacrifices and sentiments associated with the song.

Key Facts

1.

BJP President J.P. Nadda advocates for equal status for Vande Mataram and Jana Gana Mana.

2.

Nadda highlights Vande Mataram's historical significance in the independence movement.

3.

Argument made at a book launch event.

4.

Vande Mataram is India's national song, while Jana Gana Mana is the national anthem.

UPSC Exam Angles

1.

Constitutional provisions related to national symbols

2.

Historical context of Vande Mataram and Jana Gana Mana

3.

Debate on national identity and secularism

Visual Insights

Evolution of the National Song Debate

This timeline highlights key events related to Vande Mataram and its status in India, leading up to the recent call for equal status.

Vande Mataram's historical significance during the independence movement has led to ongoing debates about its status and role in national identity.

  • 1882Vande Mataram is published in Bankim Chandra Chatterjee's novel 'Anandamath'.
  • 1896Vande Mataram is sung at the Indian National Congress session.
  • 1950Vande Mataram is officially adopted as the National Song of India.
  • 1971Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act enacted, focusing primarily on the National Anthem and other national symbols.
  • 2003Allahabad High Court hears a petition regarding the mandatory singing of Vande Mataram in schools.
  • 2017Supreme Court modifies its order on the mandatory playing of the National Anthem in cinema halls.
  • 2023Several instances of debates and controversies surrounding the singing of Vande Mataram at public events.
  • 2024BJP Chief J.P. Nadda calls for equal status for Vande Mataram with the National Anthem.
More Information

Background

The debate surrounding the status of Vande Mataram in India has been ongoing for decades, often intertwined with discussions about national identity, secularism, and historical interpretation. While Jana Gana Mana enjoys the undisputed status of the national anthem, Vande Mataram, despite its significant role in the independence movement, has not been accorded the same official recognition.

Latest Developments

BJP National President J.P. Nadda's recent call for equal status for Vande Mataram has reignited this debate. His statement underscores the historical importance of the song and its emotional connection to the freedom struggle.

Practice Questions (MCQs)

1. Consider the following statements regarding 'Vande Mataram': 1. It was written by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee and was part of his novel 'Anandamath'. 2. It was adopted as the National Song of India in 1950. 3. The song is entirely in Sanskrit. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  • A.1 and 2 only
  • B.2 and 3 only
  • C.1 only
  • D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer

Answer: A

Statement 1 is correct. Vande Mataram was indeed written by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee and featured in his novel Anandamath. Statement 2 is correct, it was adopted as the National Song in 1950. Statement 3 is incorrect as the song is primarily in Bengali and Sanskrit.

2. In the context of the debate surrounding the status of 'Vande Mataram', which of the following statements accurately reflects a constitutional perspective?

  • A.The Constitution explicitly mandates equal status for the National Anthem and the National Song.
  • B.The Constitution remains silent on the specific status of the National Song, leaving it to legislative and executive decisions.
  • C.The Supreme Court has ruled that the National Song must be given precedence over the National Anthem in all official functions.
  • D.The Directive Principles of State Policy mandate the promotion of the National Song as a fundamental duty of citizens.
Show Answer

Answer: B

The Constitution does not explicitly define the status of the National Song. This matter is generally left to legislative and executive actions. The other options are factually incorrect.

3. Which of the following events is most closely associated with the popularization of 'Vande Mataram' as a nationalist slogan?

  • A.The Quit India Movement (1942)
  • B.The Partition of Bengal (1905)
  • C.The Salt Satyagraha (1930)
  • D.The Revolt of 1857
Show Answer

Answer: B

Vande Mataram gained significant prominence during the Partition of Bengal in 1905, becoming a rallying cry for nationalists protesting the division.

4. Assertion (A): J.P. Nadda has advocated for granting equal status to Vande Mataram alongside Jana Gana Mana. Reason (R): Vande Mataram played a crucial role in inspiring freedom fighters during India's independence movement. In the context of the above statements, which of the following is correct?

  • A.Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
  • B.Both A and R are true, but R is NOT the correct explanation of A.
  • C.A is true, but R is false.
  • D.A is false, but R is true.
Show Answer

Answer: A

Both the assertion and the reason are true, and the reason correctly explains why J.P. Nadda made the statement. The historical significance of Vande Mataram is the basis for the call for equal status.

GKSolverToday's News