Uttar Pradesh Makes Vande Mataram Mandatory in All Schools Amid Growing BJP-Congress Political Dispute

'Vande Mataram' has become the focal point of a political dispute between the BJP and Congress parties.

New Delhi:

On Monday, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced his intention to make singing 'Vande Mataram' mandatory across all educational institutions in the state. This declaration comes amid an ongoing controversy surrounding the national song, which was composed by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee in 1875.

During his address at an 'Ekta Yatra' (unity march) event in Gorakhpur, Yogi explained that implementing this requirement would foster patriotism and reverence for the motherland among citizens.

"We must cultivate respect for our national song Vande Mataram. Therefore, we will make its recitation compulsory in every educational institution throughout Uttar Pradesh. This practice is essential for everyone. We need to identify and counter forces that undermine our national unity and integrity to prevent the emergence of future Jinnahs who might challenge India's wholeness. Today's 'Ekta Yatra' calls for broader public awareness," he stated.

The Chief Minister criticized Congress, claiming that the party had labeled 'Vande Mataram' as "communal" and had "amended" it. He further asserted that opposition to the song contributed significantly to India's partition.

"No religious or caste identity should supersede national identity. We must abandon beliefs that obstruct national unity. There is no justification for opposing the 'Vande Mataram' song," Yogi emphasized.

The controversy intensified last week when Prime Minister Narendra Modi accused Congress of eliminating crucial stanzas from 'Vande Mataram'. "In 1937, 'Vande Mataram' was partially dismembered. This division planted the seeds for the nation's eventual partition. Today's generation needs to comprehend why such injustice was perpetrated against this powerful symbol of nation-building. That same divisive mentality continues to present a significant challenge for our nation today," Modi declared.

BJP spokesperson CR Kesavan also criticized former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and Congress for allegedly "catering to a communal agenda" by modifying the lyrics, particularly by removing references to goddess Durga. Kesavan shared correspondence addressed to Netaji Subhas Bose from September and October 1937, which mentioned that the "background of 'Vande Mataram'" might "irritate the Muslims".

In response, the opposition party accused the BJP and its ideological parent organization, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), of "avoiding" the song during their gatherings and rallies. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge claimed that the RSS prefers to perform 'Namaste Sada Vatasale', a prayer song, rather than India's national song.

Congress demanded an apology from the BJP, accusing the ruling party of "insulting" both the Congress Working Committee (CWC) of 1937—which had issued a statement regarding the national song—and Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore.