The 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram was marked recently, prompting a special discussion in the Lok Sabha, initiated by narendra Modi.
During this debate, priyanka gandhi Vadra sharply criticised the government, questioning the need for a debate on a song she described as “alive in every part of the country.”
🔹 priyanka Gandhi’s Critique — The ‘Real Reason’ Is bengal Polls
She asked: “Why are we having a debate on Vande Mataram?”, asserting that there is no room for such a debate on what is already a national symbol.
According to her, the ruling party is using the song’s debate to “delve into history” and “keep people busy with the past,” distracting from pressing present-day issues such as price rise and unemployment.
She alleged that the real motive behind this debate is the upcoming assembly elections in West bengal — suggesting the timing is politically calibrated for electoral advantage.
She also criticised what she termed as attempts to target freedom-fighting legacy and those who sacrificed for the country, arguing that the debate reopens old wounds instead of focusing on contemporary responsibilities.
🔹 Controversy Over “Missing/Removed” Verses — What bjp Says vs. History
The original composition of Vande Mataram was by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee in the 1870s, and it became the national song in 1950.
Over the years, controversy has surrounded the fact that only the first two stanzas (which refer to the “motherland” without religious imagery) have been accepted as the national song, while later stanzas invoking Hindu goddesses (e.g., Durga) were dropped in 1937 by the then leadership of the indian National congress, under pressure to respect religious diversity.
The bharatiya janata party (BJP) has now revived this issue — accusing congress of “removing key lines under pressure from the Muslim League,” calling it an example of appeasement that diluted a national symbol.
🔹 What Vande Mataram Represents — history & Significance
Vande Mataram, first published in Chatterjee’s novel Anandamath (1882), became a powerful symbol of the indian independence movement, rallying indians against colonial rule.
Its adoption as the national song in 1950 gave it official recognition, and it has since retained a place in India’s civilisational, political, and cultural consciousness.
Over decades, however, Vande Mataram has also been a subject of communal sensitivity — some religious groups objected to later verses referencing goddesses; thus, only religiously neutral verses were retained for official usage.
🔹 Why the Debate Matters — Then & Now
The renewed focus on Vande Mataram — its full version, historical context, and the question of removed verses — resurrects longstanding tensions around nationalism, secularism, religious identity, and communal harmony in India.
According to priyanka gandhi, using this debate ahead of elections may be a tactic to polarize voters and steer public attention away from urgent social and economic issues.
For many, the song remains a unifying emblem of India’s freedom struggle and cultural heritage; for others, the controversy underscores lingering religious-communal debates regarding national identity and inclusivity.
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