BJP President JP Nadda Advocates Equal Status for Vande Mataram as National Anthem in Rajya Sabha Debate

BJP President J P Nadda emphasized in the Rajya Sabha that Vande Mataram was a unifying mantra for the country, which instilled fear in the British colonizers.

New Delhi:

On Thursday, BJP President J P Nadda strongly advocated in the Rajya Sabha for the national song Vande Mataram, asserting its intrinsic connection to "nationalism." He urged the country to commit to granting it equal status with the national anthem and flag.

Nadda accused the Congress party of engaging in appeasement politics and diminishing the importance of Vande Mataram both before and after independence, despite its profound links to India's ancient cultural heritage.

He highlighted that Vande Mataram functioned as a powerful unifying force for the country, causing apprehension among the British rulers.

While concluding the discussion commemorating the 150th Anniversary of National Song Vande Mataram, Nadda, who serves as Leader of the House in Rajya Sabha, clarified that the debate's purpose was not to discredit former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru but rather to ensure an accurate historical record.

The BJP leader expressed his full respect for the national anthem 'Jan Gana Mana,' stating his readiness to sacrifice his life for it.

"When incidents occur, leadership must take responsibility. Jawaharlal Nehru was leading the Congress party during that time," Nadda remarked.

He characterized the Congress party as opportunistic, noting how they invoke the Nehruvian era to claim credit when circumstances are favorable.

However, he alleged that the party evades responsibility during challenging situations, preferring to shift blame elsewhere.

"I state with complete responsibility that Vande Mataram did not receive the respect and status it deserved, and those in power at that time bear full responsibility," he declared.

Nadda alleged that then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru negated Vande Mataram's importance and its connection to India's cultural heritage, supporting his claim by referencing Nehru's archived statements in the House.

Throughout Nadda's address, both sides exchanged verbal barbs, prompting Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge to question whether the discussion focused on Nehru or Vande Mataram.

Nadda alleged that from its inception, the Congress Party has compromised India's culture, ethos, and thought processes.

The BJP president pointed out that the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971, lacks provisions penalizing disrespect or refusal to sing the national song Vande Mataram.

"Governing a country requires unwavering commitment, not compromises. This reflects our ideology. Governance must prioritize unconditional national sentiments. Therefore, the Vande Mataram song is integral to our nationalism, and we must progress with nationalism at the forefront," Nadda stated.

He emphatically asserted that Vande Mataram deserves the same constitutional status accorded to the national flag and anthem.

"A meaningful discussion on the 150th anniversary is possible only if we resolve to give Vande Mataram the same constitutional status as the national anthem and flag," he said, concluding his approximately 50-minute address in the Upper House.

In response, Senior Congress Member Jairam Ramesh maintained that the national song and anthem have always held equal status and would continue to do so.

Ramesh recalled that India's first President, Rajendra Prasad, had affirmed this on January 24, 1950.

Earlier in his speech, Nadda criticized the Congress Party for failing to give the national song proper recognition.

"In 1937, under Jawaharlal Nehru's presidency, they altered the sacred song under pressure from communal elements, removing stanzas that portrayed Bharat Mata as Maa Durga wielding weapons of freedom," he alleged.

Highlighting the national song's significance, Nadda stated that Vande Mataram has witnessed numerous historical events.

"During the independence struggle, the chant of Vande Mataram provided energy. Vande Mataram represents a chant, energy, vow, and resolve. It embodies devotion to Mother India, service, and worship," he concluded.