Gujarat Assembly Sees Heated Debate Over Vande Mataram Resolution
In Gandhinagar, the Gujarat assembly became the stage for a sharp political confrontation on Monday as the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the opposition Congress engaged in a fierce verbal duel. The clash centered around a resolution moved by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel to commemorate the 150th anniversary of India's national song, Vande Mataram.
Chief Minister's Call for National Unity
Presenting the resolution, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel emphasized the profound significance of Vande Mataram, describing it as a revolutionary mantra that resonates deeply with every Indian. He urged all members of the assembly to unite in a renewed commitment to national unity and integrity.
Deputy CM's Historical Accusations Against Congress
Following the chief minister's motion, Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi launched a pointed attack on the Congress party. He characterized Vande Mataram as an expression of devotion towards worshipping the nation as a mother and accused Congress, including former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, of showing disrespect to the national song throughout history.
Sanghavi highlighted that the singing of Vande Mataram in Parliament only began in 1992, following a proposal moved by the BJP. He asserted that for the BJP, patriotism is not a political tool but an inherent value deeply rooted in cultural nationalism.
"It is unfortunate that certain political parties and people harbour hatred even towards this sacred song. They did it in the past, and I see no scope for change," Sanghavi stated.
He further criticized the Congress by recalling that 50 years ago, during the song's centenary, former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi had imprisoned individuals for raising the Vande Mataram slogan. Sanghavi also noted that during the recent 150th-anniversary celebrations in Parliament, several Congress leaders were absent when the song was sung.
"From Nehruji to the current Congress leadership, their dislike for Vande Mataram remains intact," he claimed.
Sanghavi made a more severe historical allegation, stating that in 1937, Congress leaders agreed to sing only the first two stanzas of Vande Mataram due to pressure from the Muslim League. He argued that this division was not merely about the song but planted the seed for the eventual partition of the country.
Congress MLA's Rebuttal and Support
Participating in the discussion, Congress MLA Shailesh Parmar countered the BJP's narrative, accusing them of distorting history. He affirmed that the Congress party has a long-standing historical association with the national song.
"The feeling of patriotism flows in the blood of Indians. There is no need to remind anyone of it," Parmar said, while clarifying that he and his party fully supported the chief minister's resolution.
Parmar pointed to a significant historical event to bolster his argument: "In 1946, at a Congress session in Calcutta attended by Mahatma Gandhi, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, and Nehru, a resolution was passed to accord Vande Mataram the status of national song."
Unanimous Passage of the Resolution
Despite the heated exchanges and contrasting historical interpretations, the resolution was ultimately passed unanimously by the Gujarat assembly. This outcome underscores a shared formal acknowledgment of the national song's importance, even as political divisions over its historical treatment persist.
