Is Sergio Gor's Ladakh visit Washington's message to China on India ties?

UPDATED: Aug 20, 2026 22:43 ISTUnion Home Minister Amit Shah has stepped up criticism of Congress over its decision to sing only the first two stanzas of Vande Mataram, prompting the opposition party to accuse the BJP of diverting attention from key issues. Meanwhile, US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor has visited Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, becoming the first US ambassador in over six years to visit J&K and the first to travel to Ladakh. The visit comes amid India-China tensions, a recent troop withdrawal and growing US-China competition across South and Central Asia. Gor's Central Asian background also aligns with Washington's broader regional economic and strategic outreach. Read MoreVIDEOS FROM OTHER SECTIONSALSO READLATEST VIDEOSCongress Restricts Vande Mataram To 2 Stanzas; Cites 1937 Resolution; Amit Shah Slams MoveThe Congress party, through General Secretary KC Venugopal, announced it will abide by its 1937 Congress Working Committee resolution to sing only the first two stanzas of the national song Vande Mataram at official party functions and programs. The party stated that these initial stanzas hold national significance, whereas subsequent stanzas contain religious references that could conflict with the beliefs of other religious groups. Congress leaders invoked historical figures including Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Rabindranath Tagore, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, and Vallabhbhai Patel to defend the decision. Union Home Minister Amit Shah strongly criticized the decision, accusing the Congress under Rahul Gandhi of engaging in Muslim appeasement politics and maintaining an anti-national mindset. Shah argued that splitting the national song in 1937 laid the foundation for the partition of India and the creation of Pakistan. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also previously criticized the 1937 resolution for removing important verses.Congress defends 2-stanza Vande Mataram rule amid BJP's renewed criticismThe Congress Working Committee has reaffirmed its 1937 decision to sing only the first two stanzas of Vande Mataram at party events, citing the positions taken by leaders including Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru. The move comes amid a fresh political row, with the BJP accusing Congress leader Sonia Gandhi of disrespecting the National Song by allegedly stopping its full rendition during an Independence Day event. Congress has defended its position as inclusive and rooted in history. Meanwhile, the Centre has introduced protocols requiring a six-stanza version of Vande Mataram at official functions, seeking to standardise its rendition across the country.Southern CMs raise concerns over delimitation, NEET at meet with Amit ShahSouth Chief Ministers raised concerns over delimitation, NEET exemptions, water sharing and fiscal autonomy at the Southern Zonal Council meeting chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah. States stressed the need to protect parliamentary representation despite their success in population control, while calling for greater federal balance. Tamil Nadu reiterated its opposition to NEET, Karnataka sought political representation matching its economic contribution, and Kerala assured cooperation on water issues. Andhra Pradesh pushed for economic integration and river interlinking, while Telangana backed stronger regional coordination. The meeting also highlighted cooperation in infrastructure, water management and security, with states seeking greater regional collaboration.With Gen Z in focus, parties turn to reels and campus outreach ahead of pollsPolitical parties are intensifying their outreach to Gen Z voters through campus programmes, digital campaigns and interactive events ahead of upcoming elections. Congress has planned youth-focused engagements, while the Samajwadi Party is using AI content, memes and short videos to appeal to young voters in Uttar Pradesh. The BJP and central government are also exploring creator-style content and a proposed ‘One Day One University’ campaign for direct student engagement. The push comes amid growing youth concerns over jobs, education and governance, with parties increasingly recognising Gen Z’s influence on online narratives and voting decisions.