Vande Mataram debate in parliament, Leaders share views and voices

A special 10-hour debate in the Lok Sabha on the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram saw intense political exchanges on Monday, as leaders from both the ruling NDA and opposition parties spoke sharply on the legacy, meaning and contemporary use of the national song.

PM Modi: Song Was ‘Mantra of Freedom Struggle’

Prime Minister Narendra Modi opened the debate, calling Vande Mataram a “mantra that inspired generations” during the freedom struggle. He said the song gave “energy, courage and direction” to millions when India was fighting colonial rule.

He noted that the 100th anniversary of Vande Mataram coincided with the Emergency, which he described as a period when “the Constitution was throttled.” Modi said attempts by colonial rulers to suppress Vande Mataram only strengthened its role as a unifying force.

Rajnath Singh: Restore the Song’s Full Legacy

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said the deeper essence of Vande Mataram must be honoured. He argued that parts of the original composition have faded from public memory and urged citizens to reconnect with its “spiritual and cultural depth.”

Priyanka Gandhi Questions Debate’s Timing

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi questioned the government’s decision to hold a lengthy debate on the national song decades after Independence. She said the BJP was using Vande Mataram for political purposes instead of addressing unemployment, inflation and other pressing issues.

She added that the song remains sacred for millions, but “there is no need to politicise what already belongs to the entire country.” She also criticised the Prime Minister for presenting “selective or inaccurate historical interpretations.”

Gaurav Gogoi: Government Giving Political Colour

Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi accused the government of rewriting history and giving Vande Mataram a political colour. He said the Congress had always respected the song’s legacy and that reducing it to a partisan symbol “distorts its universal message.”

Mehbooba Mufti Calls Debate ‘Empty Symbolism’

PDP president Mehbooba Mufti criticised the Centre from outside Parliament, saying the government was using symbolic issues to divert attention from real crises. She said Parliament could have used its time to address public concerns, including the ongoing aviation crisis, instead of discussing a centuries-old song.

Akhilesh Yadav: ‘Vande Mataram Is Not a Political Weapon’

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, speaking in the Lok Sabha, strongly criticised the BJP for using Vande Mataram as what he called a “political weapon.” He said those who did not participate in the freedom struggle were now “lecturing the country about its values.”

He reminded the House that Vande Mataram united people during the freedom struggle and should not be used to impose ideological commitments on others. “Saying the words brings pride, but following the spirit brings meaning,” he said.

Akhilesh accused the ruling party of trying to claim every national icon as its own, while also alleging that divisive forces today use Vande Mataram to create social rifts. When some treasury members interrupted him, he responded by asking SP MP Awadhesh Prasad to stand and quipped, “Look at another Dalit, another minority leader.”

He also questioned how many in the BJP still adhered to the socialist and secular values the party adopted at its founding.

Debate Highlights India’s Ongoing Identity Dialogue

The discussion revived long-standing debates over why certain verses of Vande Mataram were omitted in official usage, and whether restoring them today risks alienating minorities. Supporters of restoration said the full song reflects India’s cultural roots, while critics warned that doing so could complicate national unity.

Opposition members also argued that the government was prioritising symbolic politics over economic and governance issues.