Vande Mataram: Catalyst of Cultural Nationalism and Controversy

Home Minister Amit Shah asserted in the Rajya Sabha that the division of 'Vande Mataram' for political appeasement led to India's partition. He criticized Congress and Jawaharlal Nehru for limiting the song. Shah emphasized the song's enduring relevance and cultural significance in Indian nationalism.

Home Minister Amit Shah sparked a heated debate in the Rajya Sabha, linking the division of the national song 'Vande Mataram' to the partition of India, criticizing Congress and former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru for restricting the poem to two stanzas.

Shah argued that the song, written by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, served as a powerful mantra for India's cultural nationalism and remains pertinent today, urging its message be carried forward to future generations.

Amid opposition uproar, Shah claimed the need for discussion was crucial, dismissing accusations linking the timing to upcoming West Bengal elections, and highlighted the song's national significance during the freedom struggle.

(With inputs from agencies.)