'Why Are We Having A Vande Mataram Debate?': Priyanka Gandhi's Parliament Speech Draw
'Why Are We Having A Vande Mataram Debate?': Priyanka Gandhi's Parliament Speech Draws BJP Ire
M.U.H
08/12/202513
Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Monday questioned why Parliament needed a debate on Vande Mataram, asserting that there was “no controversy" around the national song and alleging that the government was using the discussion to divert attention from public issues.
Speaking in the Lok Sabha during the special sitting convened to mark 150 years of Vande Mataram, Priyanka said, “Why are we having a debate on Vande Mataram? What debate can there be on the national song?"
She further claimed the timing of the discussion was politically motivated: “We are having a Vande Mataram debate because West Bengal polls are coming."
Arguing that citizens were struggling with multiple challenges while the government was “not finding solutions", she accused the ruling party of using Parliament to “level more accusations against those who fought for freedom and made sacrifices for the country".
Her remarks came shortly after Prime Minister Narendra Modi opened the 10-hour debate in the Lok Sabha, which the government has positioned as a tribute to the national song and an occasion to highlight its cultural and political significance.
The discussion will continue in the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday, led by Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
BJP Hits Back
The BJP quickly responded to her speech in Parliament, with party’s national spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari, accusing her of undermining a historic symbol of the freedom struggle.
“Priyanka Vadra questions the need to discuss Vande Mataram in Parliament—the very song which is the foundation of the Indian freedom struggle. ‘Aaj behes ki kya jarurat hai?’ This is the Muslim League–Maoist Congress thought! Talk about Gaza, be silent on Vande Mataram," he posted on X.
Senior BJP leaders are expected to reinforce this line during the discussion, with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh slated to outline the party’s nationalist reading of Vande Mataram.
The Lok Sabha has allotted 10 hours for the debate, with the NDA getting a three-hour slot.
In the Upper House on Tuesday, Amit Shah will present the government’s arguments as part of the one-day special discussion. Meanwhile, Congress leaders, including Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Gaurav Gogoi, continue to challenge what they describe as the BJP’s attempt to politicise a symbol of the freedom movement.
