Countering Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra’s charge that the NDA government proposed a parliamentary discussion on Vande Mataram with an eye on West Bengal polls, Union Home Minister Amit Shah today said the national song is not restricted to Bengal and linking it with politics is unfortunate.
Without naming Priyanka Gandhi, the Home Minister said some members have questioned the need to hold a discussion to mark 150 years of Vande Mataram. “There was a need for a discussion on Vande Mataram and dedication towards Vande Mataram when it was written, when India became free, today and would remain even in 2047,” he said, adding that those who cannot understand why Vande Bharat is being discussed need to introspect.
“Some people feel Vande Mataram is being discussed because Bengal polls are approaching. They want to reduce Vande Mataram’s glory by linking it with elections. It is true that Vande Mataram’s creator, Bankim Babu was born in Bengal, but Vande Mataram did not remain restricted to Bengal, or to India. Anywhere in the world, when Indian freedom fighters met in hideouts, they said Vande Mataram. Even today, when our troops at the borders and those tasked with internal security sacrifice their lives, the words on their lips are Vande Mataram,” Shah told Rajya Sabha.
Addressing the House yesterday, Wayanad MP and Congress general secretary had said the government was discussing Vande Mataram with an eye on the Bengal polls next year. “This song has made a place in our hearts for over 150 years. Our country has been free for 75 years. What is the need for this debate now? You refused a debate on electoral reforms if we did not debate this. This is our national song. What is the debate?” Priyanka Gandhi asked. The government, she said, wants to divert public attention from raging issues. “Your objective is to keep us in the past because this government does not want to look at the present and the future,” she said.