Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has hit back at the BJP, questioning why PM Modi and BJP leaders didn't sing the full version of Vande Mataram during their years in power.

  • Congress reaffirmed its 1937 resolution to sing only the first two stanzas of 'Vande Mataram' at official functions.
  • Mallikarjun Kharge accused the BJP of using the issue to polarize voters and consolidate Hindu votes.
  • The Congress leader defended his ideology as being rooted in Ambedkarite equality and Nehruvian secularism.

In a scathing rebuttal to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Congress President and Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge, has raised serious questions regarding the sudden emphasis on the full rendition of the national song, 'Vande Mataram'. Speaking at an event in Kalaburagi, Kharge challenged Prime Minister Narendra Modi, asking why the full version was not a priority during his 12 years as PM or his 13-year tenure as Chief Minister of Gujarat.

The controversy erupted following a BJP resolution condemning the Congress Working Committee's decision to re-adopt its 1937 resolution. This historic resolution limits the singing of 'Vande Mataram' to its first two stanzas during Congress programs. Kharge maintained that this practice has been followed for 90 years and was originally agreed upon by luminaries such as Mahatma Gandhi, Subhas Chandra Bose, and Rabindranath Tagore.

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Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that this debate transcends mere musical preference; it is a deep-seated ideological battle over the definition of patriotism and the use of national symbols for political mobilization. The BJP's stance positions the limited rendition as 'anti-national,' while the Congress views it as a calculated attempt to create communal polarization.

Kharge asserted that neither he nor the Congress needs lessons in patriotism from those who historically served the British.

Kharge further criticized the BJP's use of the term 'Dimaagi Naxal' (Mental Naxal) to label intellectuals, warning that such rhetoric against the youth and thinkers could lead to significant social backlash. He also addressed the 'purification' ritual allegedly conducted by BJP activists in Haldwani, dismissing it as a publicity stunt designed to mobilize Hindutva forces.

The political friction extended to historical comparisons, with Kharge countering claims that Congress is akin to the Muslim League by pointing out that the BJP's predecessor, the Jan Sangh, had engaged in various political alliances in the past. He concluded by reinforcing that his political identity remains unshakable, anchored in the scientific temper of Jawaharlal Nehru and the equality championed by B.R. Ambedkar.

Did You Know?: The decision to sing specific stanzas of national songs in India is often rooted in historical resolutions meant to ensure inclusivity during the freedom struggle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1: What is the basis of the Congress's stance on Vande Mataram?
Answer: It is based on a 1937 resolution passed by the Congress Working Committee to maintain historical continuity and inclusivity.

Question 2: How did Kharge react to the 'purification' ritual in Haldwani?
Answer: He dismissed it as a political tool used by the BJP to generate publicity and polarize the electorate.