New Delhi, Dec 11 (UNI) A special discussion in the Rajya Sabha to mark the 150th year of Vande Mataram spiralled into a fierce political confrontation, dominated by sharp ideological exchanges and historical accusations. The debate saw Minister and Leader of the House, JP Nadda, robustly defending the government’s stance while the Congress benches, led by LoP and president of the party Mallikarjun Kharge, raised strong objections, particularly over the repeated mention of former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru.
The government sought to use the anniversary to highlight the national song’s patriotic significance and its alleged neglect after Independence. However, the move was immediately labelled “politically motivated” by the Opposition.
Nadda launched a direct attack on the Congress, accusing the party of “opportunism” by opposing the debate. He stressed that the government’s true intention was to “set historical records straight” and not to malign any individual leader.
“Our aim is not to tarnish the image of the first Prime Minister, but the question must be asked: why did Vande Mataram not receive the respect it deserved after independence?” Nadda said, attributing this historical lapse to the then-Congress led government. He reiterated the long-standing nature of the controversy, noting that the debate surrounding the song is over a century old.
The Minister then broadened his critique, linking the past government’s approach to the national song with a wider “legacy of compromises” that he argued had lasting and negative impacts on the country. He cited compromises related to key issues, including Article 370 and the division of the Bombay Presidency in 1946, stating that such decisions led to a “divided independence.”
The debate heated up considerably when the focus shifted directly to Nehru’s role in the adoption of only the first two stanzas of the song. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge intervened sharply during the discussion.
Kharge questioned the relevance of repeatedly invoking Nehru’s name in a debate meant to celebrate the national song. “Whether the debate is on Vande Mataram or Jawaharlal Nehru?” Kharge reportedly asked, attempting to steer the discussion back to the song’s significance during the freedom struggle. He also asserted that the decision on the song’s stanzas in 1937 was a collective one made by the Congress Working Committee, not an individual decision by Nehru.
The Congress chief also went on the offensive, accusing the ruling party’s ideological predecessors of having “worked for the Britishers” while Congress leaders fought for independence chanting Vande Mataram. This exchange led to a major ruckus.
Stepping up his offensive, Minister Nadda emphasised the need to formally and symbolically elevate the song. He stressed that Vande Mataram should be accorded the same respect and status as the National Flag and the National Anthem, reflecting the country’s true traditions and values.
The Rajya Sabha debate ultimately underscored the deep, ongoing ideological differences between the ruling party and the Oppositionon the national song issue.
RS Debate on Vande Mataram: Nadda slams Congress’ ‘Opportunism’; Congress defends Nehru’s role
