Rahul Gandhi's Four-Word Response to Parliament's Historic 'Vande Mataram' Debate: Political Tensions Rise

A political controversy emerged last month regarding 'Vande Mataram'.

New Delhi:

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi responded to the parliamentary debate on the national song 'Vande Mataram' on Monday with just four words: "Priyanka ka bhashan suno" (Listen to Priyanka Gandhi's speech).

Prime Minister Narendra Modi initiated a discussion on 'Vande Mataram' in the Lok Sabha commemorating the song's 150th anniversary. This discussion followed a month after political tensions arose when the PM alleged that Congress had removed crucial stanzas from 'Vande Mataram' during the party's 1937 Faizabad session. According to the Prime Minister, these decisions by the grand old party "planted the seeds of Partition" and "fragmented the national song."

The Congress party countered by stating that their decision was based on Rabindranath Tagore's recommendation and was intended to accommodate the sentiments of members from diverse communities and faiths. Congress also demanded an apology from the BJP, accusing the ruling party of "disrespecting" both the Congress Working Committee (CWC) of 1937, which had issued a statement regarding the national song, and Rabindranath Tagore himself.

Previously, a political confrontation had erupted just before the Winter Session commenced when the Rajya Sabha Secretariat emphasized that MPs should avoid expressions such as 'Vande Mataram' and 'Jai Hind' within Parliament to maintain decorum. The Opposition accused the BJP-led NDA of discomfort with symbols representing India's Independence and unity.

In his address to the Lok Sabha, PM Modi emphasized the significance of the song, authored by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee and initially published in the literary journal Bangadarshan on November 7, 1875. He highlighted its contribution to the freedom struggle, historical importance, and contemporary relevance.

"Vande Mataram is not merely a slogan for political freedom; it served as a sacred battle cry to liberate Bharatmata from colonial remnants. We take pride in witnessing the historic 150-year milestone of 'Vande Mataram'. When the British divided Bengal in 1905, 'Vande Mataram' remained steadfast and inspired unity," he stated.

Criticizing the Congress, PM Modi remarked, "When 'Vande Mataram' reached its centenary, our nation was constrained by the Emergency. During that period, the Constitution was suppressed, and patriots were imprisoned. The Emergency represents a dark chapter in our history. Now we have the chance to restore 'Vande Mataram' to its former glory, and I believe we should seize this opportunity."

According to the schedule for the 'Vande Mataram' debate, ruling NDA members have been allocated three hours out of the total ten hours designated in the Lok Sabha for this discussion, as reported by news agency IANS.

Deputy Leader of Opposition and Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi is also participating in the debate in the Lower House.