BJP slams Sonia for absence from Vande Mataram celebrations

Dehradun, Sep 7 (UNI) Terming the absence of Congress President Sonia Gandhi at the centenary celebrations of 'Vande Mataram' as a 'conscious' decision, BJP President Rajnath Singh today said her abstinence was compelled by vote bank politics.

Addressing the inaugural session of the three-day National Executive here, Mr Singh said the explanations by Congress leaders on her absence from the celebrations were nothing but ridiculous.

''First, they said she was unwell but later claimed she was otherwise engaged. The most laughable explanation came from Congress Spokesman who contended that it was a function organised by Seva Dal and hence there was no need for the Congress President to attend it.'' Talking to newspersons, BJP Spokesman Ravi Shankar Prasad said the decision to celebrate the centenary of Vande Mataram was that of the UPA Government but maybe the Chairman of the ruling coalition and the Congress Chief felt it was inappropriate to celebrate it.

''This is a serious issue and the Congress, headed by Ms Gandhi, is no way near the 'original Congress' which led the freedom struggle and her absence is conspicuous,'' he said.

He said the BJP President had demanded to amend the Article 51 (A) making it the duty of a citizen to respect and honour Vande Mataram like he was required to do it in respect of the National Flag and the National Anthem. He also offered his party's support to such an amendment if the UPA brings it in the Parliament.

Mr Singh also offered his party's support to the Congress on bringing an amendment to the appropriate clauses to reserve one third of the seats to women after expanding the strength of the Parliament.

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