Narendra Modi Criticises Congress Over Nehru’s Remarks on Vande Mataram

Narendra Modi Challenges Congress Over Nehru’s Vande Mataram Remarks During Heated Lok Sabha Debate

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday criticised the Congress during a Lok Sabha debate marking 150 years of Vande Mataram. He referred to a letter written by Jawaharlal Nehru to Subhas Chandra Bose, saying Nehru believed the song might “provoke and irritate Muslims.” Modi said the remark reflected a hesitation to support the national song at a decisive moment in India’s political history.

Modi Links Song to Nation’s Freedom Struggle

Narendra Modi described Vande Mataram as a force that united people during the freedom movement. He said British authorities banned its printing and singing, yet the song continued to inspire resistance. He also noted that its centenary in 1975 coincided with the Emergency, calling it a “dark chapter” when several political voices were jailed, and constitutional freedoms were restricted.

Row Over 1937 Decision Resurfaces

The discussion revived the long-debated 1937 Congress Working Committee decision to use only the first two stanzas of Vande Mataram for public functions. Those verses were seen as less religious in tone than the later ones referencing Durga, Lakshmi, and Saraswati. 

Modi said the move created divisions that later intensified during Partition. The Congress had earlier rejected this claim, stating that Nehru considered the lyrics harmless and not aimed at any religious group.

PM Frames Anniversary Among Other National Milestones

Narendra Modi said the 150th anniversary came at a time when India recently marked major events such as 75 years of the Constitution and commemorations for Sardar Patel, Birsa Munda, and Guru Teg Bahadur. He said remembering Vande Mataram in Parliament was significant because of its historical role and emotional impact on the country's struggle for independence.

A Debate With Ongoing Political Weight

The discussion showed how Vande Mataram continues to influence political narratives across parties. The prime minister's comments were a clear restatement of the BJP's critique of the Congress positions taken earlier during its rule. National conversations are likely to include the discussions over the song's use and meaning, as the anniversary of the song brings in new discussions, and as political parties start to deal with their past decisions in the context of the coming sessions.