In a powerful political statement, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has positioned his party as the definitive standard-bearer of India's revered national song 'Vande Mataram', while launching a direct critique against the RSS and BJP for their alleged pattern of avoiding the patriotic anthem.
The Patriotic Divide
Kharge's remarks came during a significant address where he emphasized the Congress party's historical and unwavering commitment to 'Vande Mataram', the song that became a rallying cry during India's freedom struggle. He painted his party as the true inheritors and protectors of this cultural and patriotic legacy.
'The Congress party has always been proud to be the flagbearer of Vande Mataram,' Kharge declared, framing the issue as a matter of authentic patriotism versus political posturing.
Direct Accusations Against RSS-BJP
The Congress leader didn't mince words when targeting the ruling establishment. He specifically called out the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and its political affiliate, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), for what he described as a consistent effort to sideline the song.
'While we embrace this symbol of our nation's soul, the RSS and BJP have repeatedly shown their reluctance to own Vande Mataram,' Kharge stated, suggesting a disconnect between their nationalist rhetoric and their actions toward this particular national symbol.
Historical Context and Political Battle
The statement adds fuel to an ongoing political battle over national symbols and their ownership. 'Vande Mataram', composed by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, holds a sacred place in India's independence narrative. By claiming exclusive allegiance to it, the Congress aims to corner the BJP on the very turf of nationalism that the ruling party has typically dominated.
This strategic move is seen as an attempt to question the BJP's and RSS's credentials as the sole custodians of Indian patriotism and culture. The debate over national symbols continues to be a potent weapon in India's political arena, with parties vying to establish themselves as the true representatives of the nation's identity and values.
