Priyanka Gandhi, Akhilesh Yadav criticize government over ‘Vande Mataram’ debate in Lok Sabha

New Delhi: On the occasion of the 150th anniversary of India’s national song, ‘Vande Mataram,’ a heated discussion in the Lok Sabha saw Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav target Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his government for holding a debate on the subject.

Both leaders questioned the necessity of discussing the national song nearly 79 years after India gained independence. Priyanka Gandhi remarked that the national song is a vital part of India’s heritage and freedom struggle. “When people recite ‘Vande Mataram,’ it reflects the history of our struggle for independence.

This discussion seems unusual. The song already holds a place in the hearts of citizens. Why is there a need for a parliamentary debate?” she questioned, adding that the government should focus on its responsibilities towards the people rather than debating a song.

She accused the government of attempting to divert public attention from pressing issues. According to her, citizens are struggling with numerous problems, and the government has not taken sufficient steps to address them. “Policies are weakening the nation. The Prime Minister’s self-confidence is decreasing while citizens’ difficulties are ignored,” she said.

Priyanka Gandhi also highlighted the historical context of the song. She noted that Bankim Chandra Chatterjee wrote the first two stanzas in 1875 and later added four more stanzas in 1882, publishing them in Anandamath. She pointed out that Rabindranath Tagore first sang it at a Congress session in 1896. She rejected Prime Minister Modi’s claim that Congress politicized the song, calling it baseless.

Akhilesh Yadav also joined the debate, stressing that the national song should not be used as a political tool to impose beliefs on others. “Those who did not participate in the freedom struggle should not question the values of ‘Vande Mataram.’ The song inspired people during the independence movement and should be followed with respect and enthusiasm, not as a political agenda,” he said.

Priyanka Gandhi suggested that instead of debating the song, the House should address historical facts and controversies systematically. She urged that discussions related to leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru and Subhas Chandra Bose be organized to clarify the historical record.

Both leaders made it clear that while ‘Vande Mataram’ is a symbol of national pride, its discussion in the Lok Sabha should not distract from the urgent issues facing the nation today.

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