‘You were working for the Britishers...’: Kharge attacks BJP in fiery Rajya Sabha debate on Vande Mataram

New Delhi: The Rajya Sabha on Tuesday witnessed sharp exchanges during a special debate on Vande Mataram, with Mallikarjun Kharge launching a strong attack on the BJP over its claims on nationalism and the freedom struggle.

Speaking in the House, Kharge said, "...Congress did the work of making 'Vande Mataram' a slogan during the freedom struggle...Your history is that you were always against the freedom struggle and patriotic songs..."
He further added, "...When Mahatma Gandhi started the non-cooperation movement in 1921, lakhs of freedom fighters from the Congress went to jail chanting 'Vande Mataram'. What were you doing? You were working for the Britishers..."

Kharge also accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah of targeting former PM Jawaharlal Nehru, saying, "...PM Modi leaves no chance to insult Jawaharlal Nehru, and Home Minister Amit Shah follows the same..."

Responding to the Opposition's criticism, Union Home Minister Amit Shah rejected allegations that the discussion was politically timed ahead of the West Bengal Assembly elections. Shah said some MPs were attempting to link the debate with electoral considerations.

"Some people believe that because there are elections in Bengal, this discussion is being held. They want to link the glorification of Vande Mataram with the West Bengal elections. I think they need to reconsider their understanding," he said.

Calling Vande Mataram an "immortal creation that awakens devotion and duty toward Mother India", Shah said those questioning the intent behind the discussion must "think afresh, with clarity" about the national song's legacy.

The Lok Sabha had taken up the discussion on Monday, with MPs across party lines acknowledging the role of Bankim Chandra Chatterjee’s composition in the freedom struggle while also trading political barbs. The debate stretched close to 12 hours, with a large number of members participating.

This year marks the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram, first published in the journal Bangadarshan on November 7, 1875, before being included in Chatterjee’s novel Anandamath (1882) and later set to music by Rabindranath Tagore. The anniversary was observed on November 7.

The ongoing Winter Session of Parliament, the 6th Session of the 18th Lok Sabha and the 269th Session of the Rajya Sabha, began on December 1 and will continue until December 19.