Vande Mataram Row: A fresh political controversy has erupted after the Ministry of Home Affairs issued new guidelines on the playing and singing of the national song Vande Mataram. Under the new rules, Vande Mataram must now be played before the national anthem at all government events, award ceremonies and functions attended by the President. Standing during the national song has been made mandatory, and all six stanzas of the song, lasting over three minutes, will now have to be played. The guidelines will also apply in schools, though standing is not compulsory in cinema halls. The move has triggered strong reactions from Opposition parties. The Congress has accused the BJP of using the rules to target the Muslim community and change the secular character of the nation, while the Trinamool Congress has called it a political stunt ahead of elections. With both sides trading charges, the new directive has quickly turned into a major political flashpoint.
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