‘Congress Wants Kashmiris In Jail?’: J&K CM Omar Abdullah Snaps Back At Ally Over Vande Mataram Row

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has hit back at ally Congress over the full rendition of Vande Mataram at the inaugural International Film Festival of Jammu & Kashmir. Abdullah said the complete national song must be played at government events across the country, calling it a statutory obligation. He added that legal action could be taken against those who fail to stand for the full rendition. Accusing Congress of politicising the issue, Abdullah said the party could seek to revoke the law in Parliament if it returns to power. His remarks came after Congress MP K C Venugopal urged the National Conference to follow the version adopted by Congress in 1937 and sing only the first two stanzas. Venugopal also appealed to the INDIA bloc to respect the position of freedom fighters.