📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs
Politics
BJP and Congress Spar Over Vande Mataram Issue in Parliament
✍️ Kanak News Odisha
🗓 20 Aug 2026, 04:41 PM
👁 5
The ruling BJP and opposition Congress clashed in Parliament over the status and usage of the patriotic song Vande Mataram, with both sides accusing each other of politicising the anthem.
In a heated session of the Lok Sabha, members of the Bharatiya Janata Party raised concerns that the opposition Congress was attempting to dilute the national significance of the song Vande Mataram. BJP leaders argued that the anthem should retain its constitutional status and be sung without political interference.
Congress representatives countered by stating that the debate was being used to divert attention from pressing socio‑economic issues. They urged the house to focus on policies that benefit ordinary citizens rather than symbolic disputes.
The exchange escalated when senior BJP MPs quoted historical speeches to underline the song's role in India's freedom struggle, while Congress MPs highlighted recent court judgments that call for a balanced approach to cultural symbols. Both parties pledged to take the matter to the parliamentary committee for a detailed review.
Political analysts note that the Vande Mataram controversy often resurfaces during election cycles, reflecting deeper ideological divides between the two major parties. The issue is expected to remain on the agenda as the next general elections approach.
No formal resolution was reached in the session, and the Speaker adjourned the debate after urging members to maintain decorum and respect for national symbols.
Congress representatives countered by stating that the debate was being used to divert attention from pressing socio‑economic issues. They urged the house to focus on policies that benefit ordinary citizens rather than symbolic disputes.
The exchange escalated when senior BJP MPs quoted historical speeches to underline the song's role in India's freedom struggle, while Congress MPs highlighted recent court judgments that call for a balanced approach to cultural symbols. Both parties pledged to take the matter to the parliamentary committee for a detailed review.
Political analysts note that the Vande Mataram controversy often resurfaces during election cycles, reflecting deeper ideological divides between the two major parties. The issue is expected to remain on the agenda as the next general elections approach.
No formal resolution was reached in the session, and the Speaker adjourned the debate after urging members to maintain decorum and respect for national symbols.