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Politics
Congress leaders walk out as Vande Mataram row hits Shivamogga Dasara
✍️ Udayavani
🗓 12 Oct 2026, 05:02 AM
👁 12
During the Dasara celebrations in Shivamogga, a dispute over the Vande Mataram song led Congress legislators to leave the event, intensifying the political debate in Karnataka.
Shivamogga's annual Dasara festivities were disrupted on Saturday when a disagreement over the inclusion of the Vande Mataram song sparked protests. Several Congress legislators, citing concerns over the song's political overtones, walked out of the cultural program held at the town's main venue.
The controversy stems from recent debates at the state level about whether Vande Mataram should be performed at public events, with opposition parties arguing that the song carries partisan connotations. Party spokespersons in Shivamogga said the walkout was a principled stand to protect secular values and to prevent the politicisation of a cultural celebration.
Local authorities allowed the program to continue after the walkout, and organizers assured that the remaining schedule would proceed without interruption. The incident has drawn attention from state leaders, with the Karnataka chief minister expected to comment on the matter in the coming days.
Political analysts note that the episode reflects broader tensions between the ruling party and opposition over cultural symbols, and could influence upcoming electoral calculations in the region.
The Dasara celebrations, a major tourist attraction in the district, are expected to resume normalcy after the brief disruption, with organizers urging attendees to focus on the traditional festivities.
The controversy stems from recent debates at the state level about whether Vande Mataram should be performed at public events, with opposition parties arguing that the song carries partisan connotations. Party spokespersons in Shivamogga said the walkout was a principled stand to protect secular values and to prevent the politicisation of a cultural celebration.
Local authorities allowed the program to continue after the walkout, and organizers assured that the remaining schedule would proceed without interruption. The incident has drawn attention from state leaders, with the Karnataka chief minister expected to comment on the matter in the coming days.
Political analysts note that the episode reflects broader tensions between the ruling party and opposition over cultural symbols, and could influence upcoming electoral calculations in the region.
The Dasara celebrations, a major tourist attraction in the district, are expected to resume normalcy after the brief disruption, with organizers urging attendees to focus on the traditional festivities.