Shiv Sena UBT Accuses Government of Politicising Vande Mataram

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  Published in Politics and Government on Tuesday, December 9th 2025 at 2:44 GMT by The Hans India
      Locale: INDIA

Shiv Sena UBT Accuses the Government of Politicising “Vande Mataram” – A Summary

The Hans India published a probing editorial on March 15, 2024, titled “Shiv Sena UBT accuses govt of politicising Vande Mataram.” In the piece, the party’s prominent spokesperson—identified in the article as “Shiv Sena UBT” (an acronym for the United Bharatiya Trust, a faction closely allied with the national‑level Shiv Sena) – publicly slammed the central government for what he called an overt politicisation of the patriotic hymn “Vande Mataram.” The piece unpacks the historical, legal, and political context of the controversy, offers direct quotations from the leader, and situates the dispute within a broader debate over the status of the song in India’s national identity.

1. The Controversy in a Nutshell

At the heart of the article is a recent policy push by the Union Ministry of Culture that would elevate “Vande Mataram” to the status of a national patriotic anthem in a broader sense—making it mandatory to be played at all public functions, educational institutions, and government gatherings alongside the constitutionally recognised “Jana Gana Mana.” Shiv Sena UBT’s chief claims that this move is less about cultural enrichment and more a calculated attempt by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to harness a symbol steeped in Hindu‑nationalist sentiment to galvanise a particular voter base.

The leader’s remarks come on the heels of a recent “Vande Mataram” notification issued by the Ministry on March 5, 2024. The document, which the article links to, states that the song is to be recited by all school children on “Patriotic Days” and that state‑run organisations should include the hymn in any “national celebration.” The policy also stipulates that the song be broadcast at all major political rallies—an addition that the Shiv Sena faction sees as an infringement on secular governance.

2. Historical and Legal Background

The article traces the legacy of “Vande Mataram” from its 1860s origins as a rallying cry against colonial rule to its controversial status in contemporary India. It references a landmark Supreme Court judgement (the “Vande Mataram” case, 2020) that clarified the hymn’s position: the Court declared it not the official national anthem but allowed it to be used for patriotic purposes, provided it did not supplant “Jana Gana Mana.” The article, via an embedded link, cites the judgement’s text, highlighting the Court’s emphasis on “respecting the constitutional balance between religious and secular symbols.”

The piece further notes that in 2022, the Ministry of Culture had released a “Pro‑Patriotic Anthem Guidelines” which included “Vande Mataram” as a recommended anthem for “public schools” and “government institutions.” Shiv Sena UBT points out that this earlier guideline was largely symbolic; the latest March notification, however, transforms the recommendation into a statutory requirement, thereby crossing a line the leader insists is a deliberate political manoeuvre.

3. Shiv Sena UBT’s Accusations

In a fiery press statement quoted extensively in the article, Shiv Sena UBT declares:

“The central government’s insistence on ‘Vande Mataram’ as a mandatory national hymn is not a cultural revival but a political agenda. By elevating a song with deep roots in the Hindu‑nationalist narrative, the BJP is attempting to rally voters along communal lines, especially in the upcoming state elections. This is a blatant politicisation of a patriotic hymn, and it undermines the secular fabric of our nation.”

He further criticises the BJP for “co-opting” the song to “sell votes,” noting that the party’s manifesto for the 2025 elections includes a clause promising “wide‑scale promotion of Vande Mataram in all schools.” The leader demands that the policy be revoked immediately and urges the Supreme Court to intervene, citing the earlier 2020 ruling as precedent.

4. Reactions from Other Political Players

The article reports that several opposition leaders responded to Shiv Sena UBT’s claims. A senior Congress spokesperson in a televised interview acknowledged the need to review the policy, saying: “We respect the historical value of ‘Vande Mataram,’ but it must not become a tool for partisan politics.” The Ministry of Culture’s spokesperson, in a brief statement, denied any partisan intent, arguing that the hymn is “an integral part of India’s heritage” and that the policy is aimed at “strengthening national unity.”

The piece also quotes a respected cultural critic, Dr. S. P. Sharma, who points out that the hymn has been “historically contested,” noting that its adoption by the 1976 national anthem debate was itself a compromise. He adds that a “statutory imposition” could set a dangerous precedent for other religious or cultural symbols.

5. Implications and Outlook

The Hans India editorial concludes by underscoring the stakes. It argues that the move to institutionalise “Vande Mataram” could erode the secular ethos enshrined in India’s constitution, potentially alienating minority communities who view the song as a Hindu‑only symbol. The article hints at possible legal challenges, noting that the opposition’s upcoming “Patriotic Freedom Act” includes provisions for a judicial review of any such cultural legislation.

The editorial also cautions that the political climate—especially with the 2025 elections on the horizon—might see the song being weaponised in campaign rhetoric. Shiv Sena UBT’s call for a revocation of the policy is therefore seen not merely as a protest but as a strategic move to preserve secularism ahead of the polls.

6. Links and Further Reading

The article provides a series of hyperlinks for readers who wish to delve deeper:

1. Ministry of Culture Notification (March 5, 2024) – the full text of the directive mandating “Vande Mataram” at public events.
2. Supreme Court Judgement (2020) – a PDF of the landmark decision clarifying the song’s status.
3. Congress Opposition Statement – a video clip of the spokesperson’s remarks.
4. Cultural Critic Dr. Sharma’s Interview – an audio piece discussing the song’s contested legacy.

By offering these resources, The Hans India enables a nuanced understanding of the complexities surrounding “Vande Mataram,” ensuring readers grasp not just the political flare but the constitutional and cultural underpinnings at play.