Politics
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Karnataka MLC says Centre cannot force full song
The Hindu··5d ago
MLC Ivan D'Souza said on September 20, 2026, that the Centre cannot force Karnataka to sing all six stanzas of Vande Mataram in State programmes. He defended keeping only two stanzas, as done for years. He cited Section 3 of the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Act, 2026. The full song can still be used in Central programmes.
Prism
What It Means For You
- Karnataka officials say State events will continue with two stanzas of Vande Mataram.
- D'Souza said the full national song can still be sung at Central Government programmes.
- He pointed to Section 3 of the 2026 national honour amendment law in his defence.
What's Happening
- D'Souza spoke to reporters while defending the State Government decision.
- He said India has a federal structure and the Centre cannot force States on this point.
- He accused the Centre of pushing a BJP agenda in framing the full-song mandate.
What the MLC Cited
- Vande Mataram has six stanzas in the form D'Souza discussed.
- The State has sung two stanzas for several years, he said.
- The remarks were published by The Hindu on September 20, 2026.
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