Amit Shah Challenges Priyanka Gandhi on Vande Mataram Debate: Historical Politics and National Identity Clash in Parliament

Union Home Minister Amit Shah today responded to Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's allegation that the NDA government initiated a parliamentary discussion on Vande Mataram with Bengal elections in mind, stating that connecting the national song to electoral politics is unfortunate.

The Home Minister, without directly naming Priyanka Gandhi, questioned why some members opposed discussing Vande Mataram's 150th anniversary. He emphasized, "Discussions about Vande Mataram were necessary when it was written, when India gained independence, today, and will remain relevant even in 2047."

Shah criticized attempts to link Vande Mataram discussions with the upcoming Bengal elections. "While Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay was born in Bengal, Vande Mataram transcended regional boundaries to become a global symbol of India's freedom struggle. Wherever freedom fighters gathered secretly, they chanted Vande Mataram. Even today, our soldiers at borders and security personnel speak these words in their final moments of sacrifice," he told Rajya Sabha.

In her address the previous day, Priyanka Gandhi had questioned the timing of the debate. "This song has held a special place in our hearts for over 150 years. India has been independent for 75 years. Why this debate now?" She accused the government of using the discussion to divert attention from pressing current issues.

Defending the government's position, Shah stated they don't fear parliamentary debates. "We don't boycott Parliament. If they allow Parliament to function properly, all issues will be discussed. We have nothing to conceal."

The Home Minister then criticized former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru for limiting Vande Mataram to just two stanzas on its 50th anniversary. "Appeasement politics began there, ultimately leading to Partition. Many believe that without this appeasement-driven division of Vande Mataram, Partition might have been avoided," Shah claimed. He added that during the song's centenary, "those chanting Vande Mataram were imprisoned by Indira Gandhi during the Emergency."

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge began his rebuttal by chanting Vande Mataram. "It was Congress that adopted Vande Mataram as a freedom slogan. Congress established the tradition of singing it at conventions. Did your party do this?" he challenged the treasury benches. Kharge accused the Prime Minister and Home Minister of constantly insulting Nehru and questioned the BJP's alliance history with the Muslim League in Bengal.

Kharge clarified that the Congress Working Committee in 1937 unanimously resolved that only the first two stanzas of Vande Mataram should be used at national events. "Was Nehru alone in this decision? Why single him out? Any attempt to tarnish Nehru's image is futile."

The Congress chief concluded by alleging the Vande Mataram discussion was politically motivated with Bengal elections in mind, stating, "The true tribute to Bharat Mata would be for Parliament to address the people's real issues."