Mamata Banerjee Defends National Slogans: "Jai Hind and Vande Mataram Are Our Heritage"

This guidance was part of a new "Handbook for Members of Rajya Sabha" distributed to members.

Kolkata:

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has voiced strong opposition to the Rajya Sabha bulletin's new guidelines restricting certain slogans in Parliament. On Wednesday, she emphasized the national importance of expressions like "Jai Hind" and "Vande Mataram," highlighting their historical significance in India's independence movement.

The Chief Minister criticized the recent advisory that cautioned against raising slogans such as "Thanks," "Thank You," "Jai Hind," "Vande Mataram," or any other exclamations within the House.

"Why shouldn't we say these slogans? Jai Hind and Vande Mataram are our national expressions. These are slogans from our independence struggle. Jai Hind is Netaji's rallying cry... Whoever challenges these will be shattered," Banerjee declared.

She expressed profound concern regarding what she perceives as disrespect toward India's cultural heritage and symbols. Banerjee additionally criticized the government for allegedly using agencies to intimidate journalists.

"If we cannot say Jai Hind and Vande Mataram, and if they disrespect Raja Rammohan Roy, is this acceptable? You are disrespecting our land! A leader understands and respects people. All agencies have been complicit! I do not blame the journalists; they have been coerced because their superiors are being threatened through these agencies," she asserted.

The controversy follows the Rajya Sabha Secretariat's bulletin advising against these slogans, stating that the decorum and seriousness of parliamentary proceedings require such expressions not be raised.

This directive was included in a new "Handbook for Members of Rajya Sabha" distributed to parliamentarians to highlight proper parliamentary customs and etiquette. The bulletin indicated that raising slogans and displaying placards contradicts House rules and proper conduct.

Banerjee also voiced concern about the deaths of Booth Level Officers (BLOs) across various states, including Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan, during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. She questioned the urgency of the SIR process and alleged that BLOs faced threats of imprisonment and job termination.

The Chief Minister questioned whether the central government was attempting to erase Bengal's cultural identity and criticized alleged efforts to divide citizens along religious lines.

"I saw media reports that we cannot say Jai Hind and Vande Mataram in Parliament, though I need to verify this with our MPs. Are they trying to destroy Bengal's identity? We are part of India and proud that Bengal has consistently fought for democracy, secularism, and unity in diversity. It's distressing to witness democratic rights being stripped away and divisions being created on religious grounds. People are being persecuted regardless of whether they're Scheduled Caste, Dalit, Adivasi, minority, or Hindu voters. Most of those who died [during SIR] were Hindus. We must remember we are all one," Banerjee emphasized.

She strongly criticized the BJP regarding citizenship issues, accusing them of creating a crisis and urging people to unite against it.

"They have pushed people to the brink of death over citizenship issues [CAA-SIR]. The traditional drummers I met yesterday in Bongaon were weeping and begging for protection. Using this for political advantage is shameful! People's homes have been demolished in Bihar. This is the BJP's tactic—to plunder after elections. We must stand united against this," she alleged.

The Election Commission of India has announced the second phase of Special Intensive Revision, with final voter lists scheduled for publication on February 7, 2026.

Banerjee attributed India's independence to the sacrifices of freedom fighters rather than the current ruling BJP. She claimed that 90% of freedom fighters were Bengalis and emphasized Bengal's role in bringing renaissance and revolution to India.

"Our freedom wasn't granted by the mercy of those currently in power [BJP]; it was won through the sacrifice of freedom fighters. Ninety percent were Bengalis who fought for independence, while Punjab also made significant contributions. Bengal brought both renaissance and revolution to India. I am reading the Preamble now," she stated.

Earlier that day, she paid floral tribute to Dr. BR Ambedkar's statue at Red Road on Constitution Day, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding India's democracy.

She highlighted Dr. Ambedkar's connection to undivided Bengal and expressed pride in this historical link. The Chief Minister also voiced concerns about the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and National Register of Citizens (NRC), questioning whether citizens would now be required to prove their citizenship status.

"Today is Constitution Day, and Dr. BR Ambedkar chaired its Drafting Committee. Many don't realize he was elected from undivided Bengal, which makes us extremely proud. Today, as democracy and religious freedoms face attacks, and as citizenship and voting rights are questioned, we must ask: do we now have to prove our citizenship? NRC underlies this process. We are both shocked and saddened. This is why I pledge today to protect India's democracy, which is our greatest treasure," said CM Banerjee.