During the Non-Cooperation–Khilafat movement in 1920, Gandhi expressed discomfort over communities shouting “Vande Mataram” and “Allahu Akbar” during riots, saying such chants showed deep divisions despite talk of unity. The long-standing Muslim opposition to Vande Mataram resurfaced in present political debate after PM Modi claimed in 2025 that crucial verses were “severed” in 1937, allegedly sowing seeds of division.

BulletsIn:

* 1920: Gandhi was uneasy seeing “Vande Mataram”, “Allahu Akbar” used in riots

* Said slogans used to assert communal dominance, showing a deep divide

* Bankim Chandra’s poem faced Muslim opposition; seen as idolatrous

* Linked to Anand Math, portraying Hindu monks vs Muslim rulers

* Tagore, Congress leaders adopted only two stanzas as the National Song

* The original 1875 version had two stanzas; expanded to six in 1882

* 2025: PM Modi says “crucial” verses removed in 1937, calls it an injustice

* Claims removal “sowed seeds of India’s division”; BJP blames Congress

* Historians say opposition existed earlier due to religious sensitivities

* 1920s–30s communal politics made adoption more contentious