In a historic first, Vande Mataram played to open Lok Sabha proceedings

Mangalore Today News Network

New Delhi, Aug 13, 2026: On the last day of the Monsoon Session, Lok Sabha proceedings opened with Vande Mataram on Thursday, marking a first for Parliament, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi and a full house in attendance.

After six stanzas of the National Song were played, the Lower House was subsequently adjourned sine die, bringing the session to a close.

Meanwhile, the Rajya Sabha was also adjourned sine die with the National Song.

The development comes days after President Droupadi Murmu gave her assent to legislation providing legal protection to Vande Mataram.

The law makes intentional disruption or prevention of the singing of the National Song a punishable offence, placing it on a similar legal footing to the National Anthem.

The government had earlier issued protocols governing the singing at official functions.

In an order dated January 28, the Union Home Ministry prescribed that six stanzas of the song be sung on occasions including the arrival of the President, unfurling of the Tricolour and addresses by governors.

The Lok Sabha was adjourned sine die after repeated disruptions and heated exchanges between the government and the Opposition.

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla did not read out the usual valedictory address in which he highlights the performance and productivity of the Lok Sabha during the session.

Since the session began on July 20, proceedings have been frequently stalled over issues including police crackdown on student protesters during the NEET paper leak agitation and the Ram Mandir donation theft case.

Shah had on Wednesday said he was ready for a debate and would respond to each of the Opposition’s queries. He had also urged the Speaker to consult the Opposition and allocate time for a discussion on the students’ issue.

On the last day of the session as well, the opposition raised slogans against the government.

Rival protests by the BJP and the Opposition took place at Makar Dwar in the Parliament complex, underscoring the deep divisions that marked the session.

The BJP protested against Rahul Gandhi, accusing the Congress of failing to acknowledge the ongoing protests in Jharkhand, while Opposition parties continued to press their own demands.