Shehzad Poonwalla

Tharoor questions full rendition of Vande Mataram, calls it 'unnecessary imposition'

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Tuesday weighed into the debate over the recitation of Vande Mataram, questioning whether the national song needs to be sung in full at every public event. Calling such a requirement "unnecessary and burdensome" for audiences, Tharoor said respect for Vande Mataram should not be confused with making its full rendition mandatory on every occasion. His remarks come amid a growing controversy over demands that the complete version of the national song be recited at...