Congress expressed disapproval after Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and National Conference president Farooq Abdullah stood for the complete version of the national song at the International Film Festival in Srinagar. The party raised concerns over the rendition of the full version of 'Vande Mataram', arguing it conflicts with the syncretic and pluralist ethos envisioned by India's freedom fighters. Congress leader K C Venugopal shared a video of the event, stating the full version 'sits uneasily' with the values of the nation's founding leaders. He urged allies to respect the decision of freedom fighters to adopt only the first two stanzas of the song.

The National Conference responded by asserting that the Jammu and Kashmir government was merely fulfilling its statutory duty. Spokesperson Tanvir Sadiq stated that singing and standing for 'Vande Mataram' has become a legal obligation following parliamentary legislation. He noted that the J&K government, like Congress-led states, must comply with this requirement regardless of ideological stance. Sadiq clarified that the National Conference does not oppose those who wish to sing the anthem but opposes forcing people to do so. He added that the party has not endorsed either the two-stanza or six-stanza version of the song.

The dispute highlights internal divisions within the INDIA bloc, a coalition of parties including Congress and the National Conference. Jammu and Kashmir Congress president Tarriq Karra expressed concern that the alliance partners' choice to sing the full version undermines the unifying power of national symbols. The conflict has intensified with Union Home Minister Amit Shah criticising Congress for what he called 'appeasement politics' over its stance on the anthem. Congress maintains its position based on a 1937 resolution of its Working Committee, which advocates for the first two stanzas of the song.

The row over 'Vande Mataram' has been ongoing, with differing interpretations of its historical and political significance. While Congress and some leaders argue for a limited rendition to preserve pluralism, others, including the Abdullahs, see the full version as a symbol of national pride. The National Conference has not provided a formal response to Congress's criticism, though it has defended its actions as compliance with legal requirements. The dispute underscores broader tensions within the INDIA bloc over the role of national symbols in contemporary politics.

What remains unclear is the exact legal basis for the statutory obligation to sing and stand for 'Vande Mataram'. Additionally, the motivations behind the Abdullahs' decision to stand for the full version remain unexplained. The absence of a formal response from the Abdullahs or their party leaves the dispute unresolved, with the issue likely to continue shaping political discourse within the INDIA bloc.