New Delhi, December 9, 2025 – The Rajya Sabha witnessed a spirited debate on the significance of 'Vande Mataram' as the nation commemorates the 150th anniversary of its creation, marked by both profound discussions and moments of levity. Union Home Minister Amit Shah, leading the discussion, took a sarcastic jab at Congress leader Digvijaya Singh, which sparked laughter and reactions across party lines.
The context was a comprehensive debate on the historical, cultural, and political importance of India's national song. Prime Minister Narendra Modi initiated the discussion in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday, emphasizing the song's role in the freedom movement and its enduring impact on national identity. The debate then continued in the Rajya Sabha, under the guidance of Amit Shah.
Shah, known for his sharp wit, seized an opportunity to comment on Digvijaya Singh's political standing. In Hindi, he remarked, "‘Naukri Pakki Hai, Ab Nahi Jayegi…'," which roughly translates to "The job is secure, it won't be lost now.". He followed this up with a playful question, "इस उम्र में क्या कर रहे हो भैया?," meaning "What are you doing at this age, brother?". This comment alluded to Singh's long career in politics and implied that his position was secure despite any political challenges. The remark triggered a wave of laughter in the House.
The session wasn't all humor, though. Shah launched a strong critique against those who attempted to "communalize" Vande Mataram, emphasizing that the song embodies the geo-cultural nationalism of India. He argued that it should not be linked to any specific religion but be seen as a symbol of national pride.
Shah also targeted the Congress party, holding it responsible for the country's partition. He alleged that the party had given in to appeasement politics, referencing the historical decision to only sing the initial stanzas of Vande Mataram to appease a particular community. Shah stated that this decision to limit the song to only two stanzas, due to objections regarding its Hindu imagery, diluted its spirit and "planted the seeds of partition". He argued that if Congress hadn't made this mistake, the partition of India might have been avoided.
The Home Minister further criticized the Congress for questioning the necessity of a debate on Vande Mataram. He also accused Jawaharlal Nehru, India's first Prime Minister, of dividing the poem and restricting it to only two stanzas.
Amit Shah has previously described 'Vande Mataram' as more than just a national song, calling it the "song of freedom, the spirit of unyielding resolve and the first mantra of Bharat's awakening". In a blog post commemorating the song's 150th anniversary, he depicted it as the soul of India's freedom struggle and the initial declaration of cultural nationalism.
The debates also touched upon the historical objections raised by the Muslim League, the cultural significance of the song, and its political journey since the pre-independence era. Lawmakers explored the religious undertones and the truncated adoption of the song, adding further depth to the discussion.
The session underscored the enduring relevance of Vande Mataram and its ability to evoke passionate responses and differing interpretations across the political spectrum.
