Congress defends two-stanza Vande Mataram; BJP accuses party of appeasement

The Congress party sang only two stanzas of Vande Mataram, triggering sharp criticism from the BJP. Union ministers accused Congress of appeasement politics and blamed the party for India's partition. Congress leaders defended the practice by citing its historical precedent and significance. They also hit back at the BJP, alleging the ruling party was deliberately politicizing the matter. The episode highlights the challenges Congress faces in balancing competing pressures as it works to rebuild its political standing.