Parliament Winter Session: Priyanka Gandhi Defends 'Vande Mataram', Criticizes Debate as Political Ploy

During the ongoing winter session of Parliament, a special discussion on 'Vande Mataram' took center stage in the Lok Sabha, while initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the debate saw active participation from various members. Among them, Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi delivered a spirited speech, firmly asserting the song's integral place in India's national identity and criticizing the very premise of the discussion, while her intervention aimed to underscore the historical significance of 'Vande Mataram' while redirecting the parliamentary focus towards contemporary challenges facing the nation.

Defending the National Song's Sanctity

Priyanka Gandhi commenced her address by unequivocally stating that raising questions about 'Vande Mataram' amounts to disrespecting the great personalities who shaped India's destiny, while she emphasized that it was the Congress party itself that officially declared 'Vande Mataram' as the national song, thereby cementing its status as a symbol of national pride and unity. Her remarks sought to remind the House of the song's undisputed position and the historical consensus surrounding it, suggesting that its sanctity shouldn't be subjected to political scrutiny.

Historical Roots and Emotional Resonance

Delving into the song's profound impact, Gandhi highlighted that 'Vande Mataram' has been an intrinsic part of the nation's soul for over 150 years. She eloquently described how the spirit of 'Vande Mataram' lives in every particle of the country, resonating deeply with the patriotic sentiments of millions. This emotional connection, she argued, transcends mere lyrics, embodying the. Sacrifices and aspirations of generations who fought for India's freedom. The song, in her view, isn't just a composition but a living testament to the nation's enduring spirit.

Questioning the Debate's Motive

A significant portion of Priyanka Gandhi's speech was dedicated to questioning the underlying motives behind the 'Vande Mataram' debate. She posited that the discussion was being held for two primary reasons: first, the impending elections in Bengal, implying a political agenda for Prime Minister Modi to play a specific role; and second, an alleged attempt to level accusations against those who spearheaded India's freedom struggle. She explicitly stated that the government's intention appeared to be to divide people, rather than unite them, by stirring up controversies around established national symbols.

Vande Mataram's Role in Freedom Struggle

Gandhi passionately recounted the pivotal role 'Vande Mataram' played during the independence movement. She asserted that the song evokes the entire history of. The freedom struggle, reminding everyone of the immense sacrifices made. She powerfully declared that the British Empire ultimately bowed before the spirit embodied by 'Vande Mataram'. Questioning the necessity of such a debate 75 years after independence, she asked, 'This is our national song, what can be debated about it? ' Her rhetoric aimed to highlight the song's unassailable status as a symbol of national liberation, while

Chronology of Vande Mataram

To substantiate her arguments, Priyanka Gandhi presented a detailed chronology of 'Vande Mataram'. She noted that Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay initially penned the first two stanzas, and later added four more when his novel 'Anandamath' was published in 1882. She then highlighted the significant event of Rabindranath Tagore singing the song in 1896 at a session of the Congress. Also, she pointed out that Tagore himself took to the streets in 1905, singing 'Vande Mataram' to rally against the British Empire, underscoring its role as a powerful anthem for the motherland.

Addressing Historical Controversies and Nehru's Legacy

Gandhi also touched upon the period in the 1930s when, she noted, communal politics emerged, leading to the song becoming controversial. She then brought up Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose's organization of the Congress session in Kolkata in 1937, where the song was presented, while critically, she mentioned that Bose had written a letter to Nehru before this, a detail she claimed Prime Minister Modi didn't mention. She then staunchly defended Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, stating that he lived and died for the country, spending 12 years in jail for independence and serving 17 years as Prime Minister. She contrasted Nehru's time in jail with the duration of PM Modi's premiership, implying a significant sacrifice by Nehru, while

Call for Focus on Real Issues

Concluding her impassioned speech, Priyanka Gandhi shifted focus from historical debates to contemporary national challenges. She declared herself a representative of the people, not an artist, and expressed her desire to present facts to the House. She urged the government to cease dwelling on the past and instead look towards the present and future. Highlighting the distress of the common people, she stated that the country's populace is unhappy and troubled by numerous problems. She implored the government to address critical issues such as unemployment, poverty, and pollution, which are the true concerns of the electorate, rather than engaging in divisive discussions.