New Delhi: Amidst the ongoing Winter Session of Parliament, Union Home Minister Amit Shah has refuted allegations linking the debate on 'Vande Mataram' to the upcoming West Bengal elections. Addressing the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday, Shah firmly stated that the discussion surrounding the national song was intended to underscore its enduring significance and was not a politically motivated move.

Shah's remarks came as the Parliament commenced a debate on the importance of 'Vande Mataram', coinciding with the 150th anniversary of its creation. Opposition leaders had suggested that the timing of the debate was deliberately chosen with an eye on the forthcoming elections in West Bengal, a claim that Shah vehemently dismissed.

"Some think these discussions are being held because of the upcoming elections in Bengal. They want to demean the glorification of our national song by relating these discussions to the Bengal elections," Shah said in the Rajya Sabha. He emphasized that while the composer of 'Vande Mataram', Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, was from Bengal, and the Anand Math had its origin in Bengal, the song's importance transcends regional boundaries. "Vande Mataram was not limited to Bengal or the country," he asserted.

Key points from Amit Shah's address:

• Relevance of Vande Mataram: Shah stressed that 'Vande Mataram' was crucial during the freedom struggle, remains relevant today, and will continue to be significant as India strives to become a 'Viksit Bharat' (Developed India) by 2047.
• National Significance: He argued that the song embodies the spirit of patriotism and national culture, and that reinforcing this connection will help future generations grasp its importance.
• Criticism of Nehru: Shah accused Jawaharlal Nehru of doing "tukde, tukde" (fragmenting) of the national song and later dividing the country. He alleged that the Congress "gagged the entire nation," and that people who chanted Vande Mataram were jailed.
• Response to Opposition: Countering the opposition's claims, Shah said that 'Vande Mataram' is not restricted to Bengal. He added that the discussions would inspire generations.
• Defense of the Debate: Shah rebuffed questions raised in the Lok Sabha about the necessity of discussing 'Vande Mataram', asserting its continuous relevance from the freedom movement to the present day and future.
• Call to Action: The Home Minister urged members to convey the spirit of 'Vande Mataram' to the nation's youth. He noted that the song was written after India endured "Islamic attacks" and British attempts to impose a new culture, and it re-established the concept of the nation as a mother.

The debate in the Lok Sabha also included discussion on election reforms, with Congress MP Manish Tewari initiating the discussion. The discussions are expected to cover a range of issues, including the role of the Election Commission, transparency in campaign spending, curbing candidates with criminal backgrounds, the reliability of electronic voting machines, and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process.

Meanwhile, Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge responded to Shah's remarks, stating that the BJP should not lecture them on patriotism. He accused the Sangh of serving the British and highlighted the Congress's role in the freedom struggle, during which many Congress members were jailed for chanting 'Vande Mataram'.