Priyanka Chaturvedi, a prominent leader of Shiv Sena (UBT), has voiced strong criticism against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for its recent resolution concerning the Congress Working Committee’s stance on ‘Vande Mataram’. She emphasised that the ruling party should prioritise urgent matters such as unemployment and inflation, rather than concentrating on what she sees as a politically motivated issue.

Chaturvedi expressed her disappointment with the BJP’s focus, stating, “I wish there had been condemnation regarding the use of pellet guns on children and the brandishing of AK-47s in Bihar.” She underscored that these issues are of far greater significance for the nation’s youth, who are increasingly facing severe unemployment challenges.

Chaturvedi urged the BJP to redirect its attention to the pressing concerns of the populace. “If you go to the public and talk about ‘Vande Mataram’ while ordinary citizens are grappling with the burden of inflation, they will tell you to focus on their priorities,” she remarked, reinforcing the need for the government to deal with real-life challenges affecting citizens.

Congress Leaders Question BJP’s Motives

Congress leader Sandeep Dikshit also expressed scepticism regarding the BJP’s motivations behind the emphasis on ‘Vande Mataram’. He raised questions about the absence of the song during gatherings of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), stating, “Tell me one thing, these people who salute like this, what is it… ‘Namaste Sada Vatsale’, why didn’t they sing Vande Mataram?” This inquiry highlights his belief regarding inconsistency in the BJP’s application of the song’s significance.

Dikshit continued by pointing out that ‘Vande Mataram’ has historically been sung at Congress sessions, questioning why it was not incorporated in full at BJP events. “Vande Mataram was sung in all the Congress sessions… Let’s not get into that,” he noted, alluding to contrasting interpretations of the song’s history and relevance.

Furthermore, Dikshit questioned the BJP’s sudden enthusiasm for the song within political discourse. He challenged them to clarify their level of commitment to ‘Vande Mataram’ over the years, asking, “How many branches of Sangh are there?” This rhetorical question emphasises the disconnect he perceives between the BJP’s current actions and past practices.

BJP’s Resolution and Nationwide Campaign

The BJP’s resolution, passed on Saturday, underscored the “honour and historic legacy” associated with ‘Vande Mataram’. The party announced a nationwide campaign aimed at raising awareness about the history and significance of the National Song. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was present at the BJP headquarters in Delhi following the introduction of the resolution.

In a decisive move, the BJP condemned the Congress Working Committee’s decision to re-adopt its 1937 resolution, which limits the singing of ‘Vande Mataram’ at party functions to the first two stanzas. The BJP argued that ‘Vande Mataram’ serves as a crucial symbol of national identity and respect for Bharat Mata.

In its resolution, the BJP pledged to oppose the Congress’s decision and to uphold the dignity and legacy of the complete six-stanza version of ‘Vande Mataram’. This initiative will also target youth engagement, aiming to foster a deeper understanding of the song’s place in Indian heritage.

The Congress Working Committee had earlier reiterated its stance, confirming that only the initial two stanzas of ‘Vande Mataram’ would be sung at party events, consistent with historical decisions made by leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in 1937, as stated by Congress MP KC Venugopal.

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