Few cultural symbols in India have been drawn into politics as often as Vande Mataram. Written as a hymn of anti-colonial resistance, the song has, over the decades, acquired meanings far beyond its literary origins. It has been promoted by governments, questioned by some communities, and repeatedly invoked by political parties during moments of electoral contest.

One of the earliest instances of its use in local electoral politics came in the early 1970s, when the Shiv Sena turned Vande Mataram into a central campaign theme in the Bombay Municipal Corporation elections.

The move helped the party take control of the civic body even though it did not finish first in terms of seats.

From ‘Jai Bhavani, Jai Shivaji’ to Vande Mataram

From its formation in 1966, the Shiv Sena relied heavily

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