New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi kick-started a special discussion in the Lok Sabha on Monday to mark 150 years of Vande Mataram, a move that is expected to spotlight lesser-known aspects of the iconic patriotic song.
The prime minister underlined the contribution of Vande Mataram to India’s freedom movement, its historical context and its relevance today. Written by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee, the song was first published on November 7, 1875, in the literary journal Bangadarshan.
PM Modi’s remarks are being keenly watched by Opposition parties, particularly after his recent criticism of the Congress during an event commemorating the anniversary of the song. At that event, he alleged that the Congress had “removed important stanzas” of the original composition during its 1937 session in Faizabad, a move he claimed weakened national unity and sowed the seeds of Partition.
The Congress, however, has rejected the charge, saying the decision was taken on the advice of Rabindranath Tagore and aimed at accommodating the sentiments of people from different faiths and communities.
In the Rajya Sabha, the discussion on Vande Mataram is expected to begin on Tuesday and will likely be initiated by Union Home Minister Amit Shah. According to the parliamentary schedule, ruling NDA MPs have been allotted three hours out of the 10 hours earmarked for the debate in the Lok Sabha.
The issue has already triggered political sparring ahead of the Winter Session after the Rajya Sabha Secretariat reiterated that MPs should avoid using slogans such as “Vande Mataram” and “Jai Hind” inside Parliament to maintain decorum. The Opposition accused the BJP-led NDA of being uneasy with symbols associated with India’s Independence and unity.
The Winter Session is scheduled to run until December 19, and the discussion around Vande Mataram is expected to remain contentious amid sharp differences between the government and Opposition benches.
