BJP Accuses Congress of Disrespecting Vande Mataram; Kharge Cites Historical Precedents
A fresh political debate has emerged between the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Congress regarding the rendition of the National Song, Vande Mataram. The BJP alleged that the Congress disrespected the song during an event in Goa, while Congress leadership maintained that the version sung adheres to historical traditions observed by national leaders.
What Happened
BJP MP and former Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad, speaking at a press conference, accused the Congress leadership of disrespecting Vande Mataram during a programme held in Goa on Monday. The BJP stated that this followed an alleged insult to the National Song at the Congress Delhi headquarters on Independence Day.
Prasad specifically questioned Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge over why only two stanzas of the National Song were sung during the Goa event. He contended that the Congress had compromised national symbols as well as the core values of its own freedom movement.
Responding directly to the allegations, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge defended the recitation. Kharge stated that he sang the exact same version that had been followed by prominent national figures, including Mahatma Gandhi, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, and former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
Key Highlights
- Two-Stanza Dispute: The BJP raised objections over only two stanzas of Vande Mataram being recited at the Goa event.
- Constitutional Background: Prasad noted that India’s first President, Rajendra Prasad, accepted Vande Mataram as the National Song on January 24, 1950, alongside Jana Gana Mana as the National Anthem.
- Historical Context Cited: The BJP leader recalled the contributions of Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, Rabindranath Tagore, and Bal Gangadhar Tilak, describing the song as a vital source of inspiration during the independence movement.
- Political Accusations: Prasad claimed the Congress had shifted away from its traditions due to vote-bank politics, pointing to its past stances regarding the Shah Bano case, triple talaq, and Article 370.
- Constitution’s Artwork: The BJP leader referenced the original Constitution, noting that its illustrations depict figures such as Lord Ram, Lord Krishna, Lord Hanuman, Nataraja, Shivaji, Guru Gobind Singh, and Akbar.
- Clarification on Prime Minister’s Remarks: Addressing questions regarding the Prime Minister’s phrase ‘dimagi Naxals’, Prasad clarified that Narendra Modi had not named individuals, but had cautioned against intellectual support for Maoism, adding that the government had eliminated Maoism in Bastar and Sukma.
Why This Matters
The controversy reflects ongoing political disagreements surrounding the observance of national symbols and historical heritage in public forums. By invoking foundational figures such as Mahatma Gandhi, Sardar Patel, and Rajendra Prasad, both parties seek to align their present conduct with the established norms and history of the Indian freedom movement.
What to Watch Next
Political discussions are likely to continue regarding the protocols and traditions surrounding the recitation of Vande Mataram at official party gatherings and public events.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the specific allegation made by the BJP against the Congress?
The BJP alleged that the Congress disrespected Vande Mataram in Goa by singing only two stanzas of the song during an official programme, following a similar alleged incident at its Delhi headquarters on Independence Day.
How did Mallikarjun Kharge respond to the allegations?
Mallikarjun Kharge stated that he sang the version of the National Song that was traditionally observed by leaders such as Mahatma Gandhi, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, and Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
When was Vande Mataram officially accepted as the National Song?
According to Ravi Shankar Prasad, India’s first President, Rajendra Prasad, accepted Vande Mataram as the National Song on January 24, 1950.
Source: Based on reporting from The Hindu.