Vande Mataram Debate: Masking Issues or Honoring Legacy?

The discourse around Vande Mataram is being used by India's ruling party to deflect attention from pressing issues like unemployment and inflation, according to AAP leader Sanjay Singh. He accuses the government of hiding its failures under the guise of nationalism and criticizes policy decisions affecting national assets.

The contentious discussion on Vande Mataram is being exploited by the BJP-led government to deflect attention from pressing issues like unemployment and inflation, AAP leader Sanjay Singh alleged in the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday.

During a session marking '150 years of national song Vande Mataram,' Singh criticized the manner in which the ruling party is invoking nationalism to obscure its short-comings. He questioned the BJP's commitment to the nation's welfare, pointing out the sale of national assets like airports and railways.

In addition to his critique of the BJP, Singh accused the RSS of lacking participation in the independence movement and highlighted the reduction of voter rolls in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar as alarming. Meanwhile, former Prime Minister H D Devegowda suggested recording Vande Mataram in 150 ways to honor its legacy.

(With inputs from agencies.)