Vande Mataram Row: Amit Shah Takes on Priyanka Gandhi, Slams Nehru, Indira Gandhi's "Divisive Politics"

Union Home Minister Amit Shah delivered a strong rebuttal in the Rajya Sabha after Priyanka Gandhi Vadra suggested that the government's decision to hold a parliamentary discussion on Vande Mataram was aimed at influencing the upcoming West Bengal elections.

Shah rejected the claim and argued that associating the national song with electoral motives weakens its historic and emotional legacy.

Shah Says Vande Mataram Belongs to the Entire Nation

Shah noted that critical questions had been raised about why Parliament should hold a debate to mark 150 years of Vande Mataram. He reminded the House that conversations around national commitment have always been relevant.

"There was a need for a discussion on Vande Mataram and dedication towards Vande Mataram when it was written, when India became free, today and would remain even in 2047," he said. He urged critics to reflect on their objections, stating that anyone confused about the purpose of the discussion should introspect.

Expanding on the song's reach, Shah said that linking it to Bengal elections diminishes its national significance. "Some people feel Vande Mataram is being discussed because Bengal polls are approaching. They want to reduce Vande Mataram's glory by linking it with elections. It is true that Vande Mataram's creator, Bankim Babu was born in Bengal, but Vande Mataram did not remain restricted to Bengal, or to India. Anywhere in the world, when Indian freedom fighters met in hideouts, they said Vande Mataram. Even today, when our troops at the borders and those tasked with internal security sacrifice their lives, the words on their lips are Vande Mataram," he said.

Priyanka Gandhi Says Debate Aims to Distract Public

A day earlier, Priyanka Gandhi had questioned the need for a renewed debate on a national song that has been cherished for generations. She argued that the government appeared more eager to revisit symbolic issues than address concerns troubling citizens today. "This song has made a place in our hearts for over 150 years. Our country has been free for 75 years. What is the need for this debate now? You refused a debate on electoral reforms if we did not debate this. This is our national song. What is the debate?" she asked.

She accused the government of diverting attention from pressing matters. "Your objective is to keep us in the past because this government does not want to look at the present and the future," she said.

Government Rejects Allegations of Avoiding Real Issues

Responding to allegations of diversion, Shah stated that the government welcomes discussions across all policy areas. "We don't boycott Parliament. If they let the Parliament function, all issues will be discussed. We have nothing to hide," he said.

He also revisited a historical decision taken soon after Independence. According to Shah, the first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, altered Vande Mataram by limiting its recitation to two stanzas. "Appeasement began from there, and that appeasement led to Partition. Many like me believe that if Vande Mataram was not split due to a policy of appeasement, Partition would not have happened," he said.