Hyderabad: The Telangana BJP has strongly condemned the Congress Working Committee’s reported decision to reject the full form of Vande Mataram, questioning the party’s respect for Parliament and the sentiments associated with one of the most iconic songs of India’s freedom struggle.
Reacting to the Congress stand, BJP State Chief Spokesperson and Media In-charge N V Subash said the Congress might have cited the decision taken by its leaders in 1937 in the backdrop of objections raised by the Muslim League under Muhammad Ali Jinnah. “But those circumstances no longer exist. If the Congress is still unwilling to acknowledge the historical and national significance of Vande Mataram, it raises serious questions about whether it is merely rebranding the same appeasement politics,” he said.
Subash said Vande Mataram, written by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, played a powerful role in inspiring Indians during the freedom struggle and became a rallying cry for the national movement.
“How can a party that repeatedly claims sole credit for India’s freedom now seek to distance itself from a song that inspired thousands of freedom fighters? Is this another attempt to appease a section of voters at the cost of the sentiments of the overwhelming majority?” he asked.
He further questioned the Congress’s attitude towards Parliament. “If Parliament has legislated on an issue concerning the national song, how can a political party casually reject it? Such conduct raises questions about its respect for constitutional institutions and democratic processes,” Subash said.
He recalled that the Congress itself had amended the Constitution numerous times and asked why it was now reluctant to respect legislation passed by Parliament.
“Congress must answer whether political appeasement is more important to it than national sentiment and respect for Parliament,” he concluded.
