In A First, "Vande Mataram" To Be Sung At Red Fort On Independence Day

The BJP has taken up the cause of the national song, declaring that it deserves as much respect as national anthem "Jana Gana Mana" and advocating that all six stanzas of the song be sung instead of the traditional practice of limiting it only to two stanzas.

The ceremonial change comes on the heels of Parliament passing the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026, which elevates Vande Mataram to a legal status equivalent to the national anthem.