The INDIA bloc has hit back at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over its resolution on the national song Vande Mataram, accusing the party of attempting to divert attention from real problems by making an issue out of the controversy. The BJP passed a resolution strongly defending the honour, dignity and historical legacy of the national song following a row over the conduct of senior Congress leaders during Vande Mataram’s rendition at the Independence Day event.
Congress leader Harish Rawat stated that the BJP is trying to make Vande Mataram an issue to divert attention from real issues such as inflation and unemployment raised by younger generations. He asserted that the song is associated with the history of the Congress. Shiv Sena-UBT leader Priyanka Chaturvedi echoed similar views, saying the BJP should be concerned about the economic challenges facing the country instead of trying to divert attention towards a controversy.
Chaturvedi remarked that the BJP is only doing it for political points and that their resolution should have been about India first. Congress MP Tariq Anwar accused the BJP of not following tradition, citing a 1937 Congress Working Committee resolution passed on the advice of Rabindranath Tagore, which decided that only the two undisputed stanzas of the song should be sung.
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor stated that the Congress position on the national song is clear, following the existing practice of singing two stanzas of Vande Mataram at party functions. However, he noted that they would stand up for the entire song at national or government functions. CPI National General Secretary D. Raja accused the BJP of being rigid and not accepting the views of other parties, saying that every party has its own view and it should be considered.
Raja asserted that parties like the Congress and CPI have a long history of fighting against the British, and the BJP should not think it has the monopoly to teach nationalism and patriotism to other parties. Shiv Sena-UBT MP Arvind Sawant also criticised the BJP, saying they have no right to raise questions about Vande Mataram as they did not participate in the freedom struggle, and are only trying to create a divide between Hindus and Muslims.
