Rajnath Singh Calls Congress Vande Mataram Stand Unconstitutional

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has strongly criticised the Congress for reaffirming its 1937 position on singing only the first two stanzas of Vande Mataram, calling the party’s stand “unconstitutional” and “reprehensible”.

In a video message shared on social media, Singh questioned the Congress’s commitment to the Constitution and national symbols, arguing that laws passed by Parliament are binding on all citizens.

Singh referred to the Congress resolution of 1937, which limited the singing of Vande Mataram to its first two stanzas. He alleged that the decision was taken by Congress while accommodating the demands of the Muslim League.

According to Singh, such compromises weakened national unity and ultimately contributed to circumstances that culminated in Partition. He accused the Congress of repeating what he described as a similar approach towards “radical elements” today.

The Congress Working Committee recently reaffirmed the party’s 1937 position on Vande Mataram, amid a renewed political debate over the song’s status and its place alongside the national anthem, Jana Gana Mana.

The BJP has been pushing to elevate Vande Mataram’s legal and constitutional standing, adding another layer to the ongoing political dispute between the two parties.

Singh’s video message comes at a time when the Union government has been encouraging ministers to strengthen their social media presence and engage more directly with younger audiences.

In late July, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reportedly urged Cabinet ministers to become more active on platforms such as Instagram, including through reels and interactive content, after concerns over engagement among younger users.

The push was followed by a review in the August Cabinet meeting, where ministers were reportedly assessed on their performance across social media platforms.

This development highlights the ongoing debate over national symbols and the role of social media in Indian politics.

The controversy surrounding Vande Mataram has sparked a wider discussion about national unity and the importance of respecting national symbols.

As the debate continues, it remains to be seen how the Congress and BJP will navigate this issue and its implications for Indian politics.

In conclusion, the Defence Minister’s criticism of the Congress’s stand on Vande Mataram has significant implications for the ongoing political debate in India.

It raises important questions about national unity, patriotism, and the role of national symbols in Indian politics.

The issue is likely to continue to be a point of contention between the Congress and BJP, with potential implications for the country’s political landscape.