New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will launch a special discussion in the Lok Sabha on Monday as Parliament marks 150 years of the iconic patriotic song ‘Vande Mataram’. The session aims to bring forward lesser-known historical facts about the song, its evolution, and its role in India’s fight for freedom.
The Prime Minister is expected to revisit the cultural and political significance of Vande Mataram, originally written by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee and first published in the literary journal Bangadarshan on November 7, 1875. Sources indicate that PM Modi will emphasise the song’s lasting contribution to the national consciousness, as well as its importance in today’s socio-political context.
Opposition MPs are closely watching the Prime Minister’s address. Their curiosity follows PM Modi’s criticism last month, during an event commemorating the song’s anniversary. At the time, he accused the Congress of “removing important stanzas” from Bankim Chandra’s original composition during the party’s 1937 Faizabad session. According to PM Modi, that decision “sowed the seeds of Partition” and effectively “dissected the national song.”
The Congress, however, has countered this charge, claiming the move was based on Rabindranath Tagore’s advice and intended to accommodate the sentiments of people from diverse faiths and communities.
Parliamentary proceedings surrounding Vande Mataram are expected to continue through the week. In the Rajya Sabha, the debate will likely be initiated on Tuesday by Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
As per the official schedule, the ruling NDA has been allotted three hours out of the 10 hours reserved for the debate in the Lok Sabha.
Tensions had already escalated before the Winter Session began, after the Rajya Sabha Secretariat reiterated guidelines asking MPs to avoid using expressions such as ‘Vande Mataram’ and ‘Jai Hind’ inside the House to maintain decorum. This drew sharp criticism from the Opposition, which accused the NDA government of being uncomfortable with symbols of India’s independence and unity.
With the Winter Session continuing until December 19, the debate on Vande Mataram is expected to remain a high-pitched and deeply political topic. Differences between the treasury and Opposition benches over the song’s interpretation and political usage are likely to dominate discussions in the coming days.