Vande Mataram Row Rocks Parliament: PM Accuses Congress of Betrayal, Oppn Alleges Saffronised Agenda
Tension gripped both houses of Parliament today as a fierce debate unfolded over the legacy of “Vande Mataram,” India’s iconic freedom-era anthem. Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a sharp attack on Congress, branding their historical stance as anti-national, while opposition figures countered that the ruling BJP seeks to impose a majoritarian narrative by mandating its recital in official events.
PM’s Offensive in Lok Sabha
During Question Hour, the Prime Minister invoked archives to highlight Congress’s pre-Independence decision to adopt only the first two stanzas, linking it to appeasement politics. He urged unity around national symbols, drawing cheers from NDA allies and walkouts from INDIA bloc members protesting “selective outrage.”
RJD’s Lalu Prasad and SP’s Akhilesh Yadav accused the Centre of dredging up colonial-era disputes to deflect from pressing issues like aviation chaos and farm distress, demanding focus on constitutional duties instead.
Opposition’s Counter: ‘Cultural Policing’
- Congress MP Shashi Tharoor defends 1937 stance as respecting Muslim sentiments, warns against “Hindutva-ising” symbols.
- DMK and Left parties stage protests, labeling push as violation of Article 25 freedoms.
- Treasury benches retort with demands for opposition apology over past “divisive” actions./li>
Proceedings adjourned amid slogan-shouting; Speaker Om Birla calls for restraint. The episode revives debates on patriotism benchmarks, with social media abuzz over viral clips of the exchanges.
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