Vande Mataram Row | Shashi Tharoor Says Vande Mataram At Official Events Is 'Unnecessary'

A controversy over the rendition of Vande Mataram in the Keralam Assembly has sparked a political debate, with Shashi Tharoor questioning the need to play all five verses at the beginning and end of official functions. Tharoor said everyone respects the national song but argued that making the full version mandatory at every event is difficult to justify. He also backed Kerala's decision to treat the practice as optional. The remarks have triggered reactions from the BJP, adding a political dimension to the ongoing debate.