Sonia yet to attach herself with soul of India: Rajnath

Dehra Dun, Sep 10: Criticising Congress Supremo Sonia Gandhi over her absence in Vande Mataram centenary celebrations, BJP president Rajnath Singh today said though she has consolidated herself in the politics of the country, she has not attached herself with its pride and soul.

The statement from the BJP chief came against the backdrop of Ms Gandhi's absence in the Vande Mataram recitation programme at Delhi on September 7.

Addressing mediapersons here after the conclusion of BJP's three-day National Executive Meeting, Mr Singh said, ''It was not a casual but a deliberate action from her side and this has provoked every Indian to think whether Soniaji has transformed herself totally into an Indian.'' He added the Congress was slowly forgetting the sentiments of freedom struggle.

He further expressed his astonishment at Ms Gandhi not delivering a single statement on the issue. ''This facet of her personality has given strength to the mentality of separatism and has revealed Congress' soft corner for fanaticism. BJP does not consider it a good omen for the country,'' he said.

Taking the Vande Mataram issue seriously, the BJP would organise nationwide programmes from September 25 to inject national feelings among the people and unmask the pseudo-secularists.

Apprising about the programmes, he said from September 25 to October 2, rallies would be organised in all Mandals.

On November 7, a special programme would be organised at Nayihati Village, North Pargana, West Bengal, the birth place of the author of Vande Mataram Bankim Chandra Chatterjee. National and State level leaders would hold meetings in various places from November 7 to December 7.

Tributes will be paid on all the memorials of the freedom fighters by national and state leaders from December 26 to January 26. The Party would also hold dharnas from September 15 to October 15 in all the district headquarters in support of reservation for SC/ST candidates in higher educational institutions. It would also organise programmes from November 25 to December 25 on cultural nationalism.

UNI