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Prime Minister Narendra Modi will open a special discussion in the Lok Sabha today to mark 150 years of ‘Vande Mataram’. The debate will highlight the song’s historical significance, its role in the freedom movement, and the controversy surrounding Congress’s 1937 decision to alter its stanzas.
PM Modi to Begin Lok Sabha Debate on 150 Years of ‘Vande Mataram’
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will initiate a special discussion in the Lok Sabha today on Monday to commemorate the 150th anniversary of ‘Vande Mataram’. This historic debate aims not only to highlight the glorious history of this national song but also to bring to light aspects of it that are little known to the general public.
During the discussion, PM Modi will shed light on the contribution of ‘Vande Mataram’, written by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay and first published in the Bangadarshan magazine on November 7, 1875, to the freedom struggle. He will also discuss its cultural, historical, and contemporary relevance.
Parliament to hold special debate on 150 years of ‘Vande Mataram’; PM Modi to address
At a recent event, the Prime Minister accused the Congress party of "removing" crucial lines of the song during its 1937 Faizabad session. According to him, this decision laid the foundation for partition and fragmented the national song.
The Congress party rejected these allegations, stating that the decision was taken on the advice of Rabindranath Tagore to respect the sentiments of a communally diverse society.
The discussion on Vande Mataram will not be limited to the Lok Sabha. The debate is likely to be initiated in the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday by Union Home Minister Amit Shah. This indicates that the ruling NDA wants to keep this entire issue at the forefront of the national discourse.
A total of 10 hours have been allotted for the discussion on this topic in the Lok Sabha, with 3 hours allocated to the NDA. This suggests that the opposition will also have ample opportunity to present its views and that the debate will proceed in a balanced manner.
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A controversy erupted even before the session began when the Rajya Sabha Secretariat instructed MPs not to disrupt the decorum of the House by shouting slogans like ‘Vande Mataram’ and ‘Jai Hind’. The opposition attacked the central government over the issue, saying that the BJP-led NDA is uncomfortable with symbols of freedom and national unity, which is why such guidelines are being issued.
The winter session of Parliament will continue until December 19, and a discussion on an emotional and historical topic like 'Vande Mataram' is naturally going to raise political temperatures. The existing differences between the ruling party and the opposition could make this debate even more acrimonious and controversial. The coming days may witness heated debates, disruptions, and sharp exchanges of accusations in Parliament.
