Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has rejected Congress leader K.C. Venugopal’s objections to the full rendition of Vande Mataram, asserting that his government will follow the law and central government protocol at official functions.

The controversy erupted after the national song was sung in its entirety at the inaugural ceremony of the first International Film Festival in Jammu and Kashmir. Omar Abdullah and National Conference president Farooq Abdullah were among those present at the event.

Venugopal had reportedly urged INDIA bloc partners, including the National Conference, to follow the traditional practice of singing only the first two stanzas of Vande Mataram. He argued that the practice was rooted in decisions taken by leaders of the freedom movement, including Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru.

Omar Abdullah: “This is a legal obligation”

Responding to the criticism, Omar Abdullah said the Jammu and Kashmir government was bound to comply with the applicable law and official protocol.

“Does Congress want to put Kashmiris in jail? This is a legal obligation.”

The Chief Minister argued that the rules were not specifically applicable to Jammu and Kashmir but formed part of a broader national framework. He maintained that the government could not selectively disregard rules governing official events.

“If you don’t like the law, change it”

Omar Abdullah also challenged the Congress to seek a change in the law through Parliament if it disagreed with the existing provisions.

“Let Congress come back to power and repeal this law. We have no objection.”

Until such a change is made, he said, the government would continue to comply with its legal and procedural obligations.

Congress and National Conference differ

The dispute has exposed differences between the Congress and its alliance partner, the National Conference, over the presentation of Vande Mataram.

While Congress leaders have highlighted the historical convention of singing the first two stanzas, the National Conference has defended the decision to sing the complete version at official functions.

National Conference leaders have also pointed to instances in which Congress leaders and chief ministers participated in programmes where the full version of Vande Mataram was performed, questioning the consistency of the Congress position.

More than a debate over a national song

The controversy has now developed into a wider political disagreement between two INDIA bloc allies. At its core is a debate over whether historical convention should determine the rendition of Vande Mataram at official events or whether governments should follow the applicable legal and administrative protocols.

Omar Abdullah’s latest comments make it clear that the Jammu and Kashmir government intends to follow the prevailing rules and continue with the full rendition of Vande Mataram at government functions, unless the relevant legal framework is changed.