Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA S.N. Channabasappa of Shivamogga publicly objected on Saturday, 19 September 2026, to the rendition of only two stanzas of Vande Mataram at a government meeting in Thirthahalli, Shivamogga district, convened by Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar to discuss the Kasturirangan Report. The protest reignited a controversy that has been simmering since the Karnataka government issued an order on 8 September restricting the full rendition of the national song to select high-protocol events.

What Happened at the Meeting

After the two-stanza rendition of Vande Mataram concluded, Channabasappa walked to the microphone and directly addressed the gathering. 'I am standing here to voice my opinion that our feelings have been hurt. The Chief Minister is carrying out good works, but the government has hurt our feelings. The order by the government to sing only two stanzas of Vande Mataram is affecting the people of the state,' he said.

His demand was unambiguous: 'My humble request is that the Vande Mataram song should be sung fully. Apart from this, there is no other demand from us. You should provide an opportunity to sing Vande Mataram fully. I request you to fulfil this demand.'

Crowd Reaction and Dais Intervention

The remarks triggered a sharp reaction from the crowd gathered at the venue, with attendees raising their voices in response. Leaders seated on the dais moved collectively toward Channabasappa and asked him to stop his speech. Sections of the audience began chanting 'DK, DK' slogans in support of the Chief Minister.

Channabasappa subsequently walked toward the section of the dais where Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar was seated. Also present on the dais were former Home Minister and BJP MLA Araga Jnanendra, School Education and Literacy Minister Madhu Bangarappa, Forest Minister Ramalinga Reddy, and other leaders.

Background: The Karnataka Vande Mataram Order

The controversy traces back to the state government's 8 September directive, which stipulates that only the first two stanzas of Vande Mataram be sung at most government functions. According to the order, the full version is to be rendered exclusively at events attended by the President, Vice-President, Prime Minister, or Governor of India.

BJP leaders have consistently opposed the directive since its issuance. Notably, this is not the first time Channabasappa has taken a stand on the issue — he had staged a similar protest at a government programme on 15 September, just four days before the Thirthahalli incident. The dispute resurfacing at the Kasturirangan Report meeting has given it fresh visibility, linking a sensitive cultural issue with an already contentious forest policy debate.

Wider Political Context

The Kasturirangan Report, which recommends significant portions of the Western Ghats be declared ecologically sensitive, has been a flashpoint in Karnataka politics, particularly in districts like Shivamogga that border the protected zone. Critics argue that holding such a meeting in the region and having it disrupted by the Vande Mataram row underscores the tension between the ruling Congress government and the BJP opposition ahead of local elections. The BJP has framed the two-stanza order as an affront to national sentiment, while the state government maintains it is in keeping with established protocol guidelines.