New Delhi: Union Home Minister Amit Shah asserted in the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday that the opposition is belittling the significance of "Vande Mataram" by linking the ongoing discussions about it to the upcoming West Bengal elections. Shah's remarks came in response to charges that the government's decision to hold a debate on the national song was politically motivated, aimed at influencing the West Bengal polls scheduled for next year.
Shah refuted these claims, emphasizing that "Vande Mataram" transcends regional and political boundaries. He stated that the song is not limited to West Bengal or even India, but embodies a universal spirit of patriotism and dedication to the nation. He criticized those who questioned the need for a debate on "Vande Mataram," urging them to reconsider their understanding of its importance.
"Some people want to diminish the importance of 'Vande Mataram' by trying to link it to Bengal elections," Shah said. He argued that such attempts are unfortunate and reflect a lack of appreciation for the song's historical and cultural significance.
Shah further highlighted that "Vande Mataram" served as a rallying cry during India's independence movement, inspiring countless freedom fighters to sacrifice for the nation. He noted that even today, the song resonates deeply with soldiers and police personnel who lay down their lives for the country.
He also reminded the house that the composer of Vande Mataram, Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, was indeed from Bengal, and the Anand Math had its origins there, the spirit of Vande Mataram spread far beyond Bengal and even beyond India.
The Home Minister criticized the Congress party for questioning the need for a debate on Vande Mataram and linking it to the upcoming West Bengal elections. He also took a swipe at Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi for their absence during discussions on the 150th anniversary of "Vande Mataram" in the Lok Sabha. He accused former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru of limiting the national song to two stanzas on its golden jubilee, calling it the "beginning of appeasement politics" that led to the partition of India.
Shah's remarks sparked a heated debate in the Rajya Sabha, with opposition members accusing the government of using the "Vande Mataram" debate to divert attention from pressing issues facing the country. Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge alleged that the discussion was a "ploy to attack Nehru" and other Congress leaders. However, Shah maintained that the government is always ready to discuss any issue in Parliament and is not afraid of debate.
Several other members of Parliament, including Praful Patel of NCP and Milind Murli Deora of Shiv Sena, emphasized that the debate on "Vande Mataram" should not be linked to politics and that the song embodies the spirit of patriotism and unity. They stressed the importance of inculcating the values of "Vande Mataram" among the younger generation to foster a sense of national pride and dedication.
