India, Sept. 9 -- Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee chief Tariq Hameed Karra criticised alliance partner National Conference on Wednesday over the singing of the full version of Vande Mataram at the inauguration of the International Film Festival here, triggering a fresh political exchange between the allies.

In a post on X, Karra said national symbols, songs and traditions hold a special place in the hearts of Indians but their strength lies in their ability to unite a diverse country.

"It is therefore a matter of concern that our alliance partners chose to sing the full version of Vande Mataram," he said, arguing that the song's place in India's national life had evolved through the freedom movement and the constitutional j...