Congress-BJP Clash Over Vande Mataram Tribute
On the 150th anniversary of India’s national song Vande Mataram, political tensions escalated as the Congress party accused the BJP of using the occasion for divisive political gains. The controversy unfolded in Maharashtra, where Congress leaders strongly rejected allegations that their MLAs opposed the song.
Congress spokesperson Sachin Sawant condemned the BJP’s campaign as an attempt to polarize voters. He described the move as “hypocritical nationalism”, asserting that Congress has always respected Vande Mataram and its historical significance. He clarified that MLAs Amin Patel and Aslam Shaikh had no objection to singing the song.
Composed by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee in 1875 and later included in his novel Anandamath, Vande Mataram was adopted as India’s national song in 1950. Congress leaders reminded the public that the song was first sung publicly at the 1896 Congress session in Calcutta by Rabindranath Tagore, under the leadership of Rahmatullah Sayani.
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge emphasized that the party has been a proud flagbearer of Vande Mataram. He stated that the song symbolizes unity, diversity, and the spirit of Bharat Mata, and accused BJP-RSS leaders of never singing it in their offices or shakhas.
The BJP had reportedly targeted Muslim MLAs, claiming they refused to sing Vande Mataram. Congress leaders called this a “false and shameful campaign”, aimed at creating religious divisions. They reiterated that all party members respect national symbols and traditions.
The issue has sparked widespread debate across social media and news platforms. Citizens and commentators are divided, with some supporting Congress’s stance and others backing BJP’s narrative. The controversy is expected to influence upcoming election campaigns.
With the 2024 Lok Sabha elections approaching, both parties are using cultural and nationalistic themes to mobilize support. The Vande Mataram row adds fuel to an already charged political atmosphere, especially in states like Maharashtra, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh.
The clash over Vande Mataram’s anniversary reflects deeper ideological divides in Indian politics. As parties position themselves for electoral advantage, national symbols continue to be invoked in debates over identity, unity, and patriotism.
