Congress Unveils Historical Insight on 'Vande Mataram' Controversy

The Congress, citing historian Sugata Bose, claims that in 1937, Rabindranath Tagore advised the party to sing only the first part of ‘Vande Mataram’ at national meetings, aiming for unity among India's communities. This historical perspective is used to counter Prime Minister Modi's recent critique of Congress and Nehru.

The Congress on Tuesday highlighted renowned historian Sugata Bose's comments suggesting that Rabindranath Tagore's advice was pivotal in the party's 1937 decision to perform only the first part of "Vande Mataram" at national gatherings.

Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh shared a video where Bose elaborates on the collaboration between Subhas Chandra Bose and Jawaharlal Nehru during a crucial All India Congress Committee meeting, explaining Tagore's role in fostering unity and avoiding religious discord.

This historical revelation surfaces amid an intense debate initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's critique of Nehru's handling of the national song, with the Congress striking back through Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, accusing Modi of misrepresenting the past for political ends.

(With inputs from agencies.)