Omar Abdullah says time needed for Vande Mataram, Congress MP refuses to sing

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said people will need time to adjust to singing Vande Mataram at official functions, as it was included for the first time this year. Speaking on Monday, he noted that at the Independence Day parade, the national song was played before the flag unfurling and the national anthem. He urged patience and said the Congress clarification that all three verses were sung should end the controversy.

Separately, Congress MP Imran Masood triggered a fresh row by stating he will never sing the full version of Vande Mataram as it goes against his religious beliefs. He told Times Now that the national anthem should take precedence and that he would stand in respect when the song is played. Masood also questioned the ongoing Jharkhand student protest, claiming Chief Minister Hemant Soren had already accepted the demands.