New Delhi, February 13: The political debate surrounding the central government’s new guidelines on “Vande Mataram” has intensified across the country. Leaders from various parties have expressed their opinions in different ways.
Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya stated, “No one can oppose ‘Vande Mataram.’ If you want to live in India, singing ‘Vande Mataram’ is mandatory. Those who oppose it will reveal their true colors.”
In contrast, Congress MP Imran Masood voiced his dissent, saying, “No, this cannot happen. If you recite ‘Vande Mataram,’ we will stand up. But how can you expect me to change my way of worship? I will not change it. My constitution allows me to do so.”
Mumbai’s Deputy Mayor Sanjay Ghadi offered a balanced response, asserting that if the central or state government enacts a law, citizens should comply. However, he emphasized that it should not be against any religion, urging respect for each other’s faiths.
BJP MP Mayankbhai Naik highlighted that this year marks the 150th anniversary of ‘Vande Mataram.’ He accused some individuals of objecting when the government decided to promote the full rendition of the song, even threatening to approach the Supreme Court.
BJP MP Sakshi Maharaj remarked, “Vande Mataram is not the name of a deity; it is a tribute to our motherland. A true patriot should have no objection to it.” He referenced his visit to Nashik, where he had the honor of paying homage to his birthplace.
Shiv Sena spokesperson Shaina NC stated that ‘Vande Mataram’ represents national pride and the interest of the nation. She insisted that if one wants to live in India, they must sing ‘Vande Mataram.’ If they do not know it, they should learn. While ‘Jana Gana Mana’ is the national anthem, ‘Vande Mataram’ should not be a subject of controversy.
BJP spokesperson Pratul Shah Dev responded to the opposition from the Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind, asserting that the dissent would have no impact. He noted that the Home Ministry has implemented the complete code, questioning why there should be opposition to a song that was a theme of our freedom struggle.
BJP MLA Vivekanand Pandey stated that ‘Vande Mataram’ is neither Hindu nor Muslim. He questioned what difficulty there could be in expressing it in the country we live in.
BJP MLA Yogesh Shukla emphasized that ‘Vande Mataram’ is a song of the freedom struggle, and opposing it is against the sovereignty and constitution of the country.
BJP MLA Nand Kishore Gurjar sharply reacted to Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind President Maulana Arshad Madani’s opposition, suggesting that if they do not want to sing here, they could go to Pakistan.
BJP MLA Rajeshwar Singh stated, “This is wrong. How can one oppose the expression of patriotism? India is our mother, and she has given us everything.”
