Vande Mataram Turns Political Flashpoint as PM Modi Opens Heated Debate in Parliament

December 8, 2025 MTIMES 5 min read Congress vs BJP, Indian politics news, Lok Sabha News, Narendra Modi speech, Parliament Winter Session, Rajya Sabha debate, Vande Mataram debate

Vande Mataram Debate: The Winter Session of Parliament, after struggling through a turbulent first week, is set for a dramatic political showdown on Monday as Prime Minister Narendra Modi launches a special debate in the Lok Sabha to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the national song Vande Mataram. What was announced as a tribute to a historic patriotic anthem is now shaping up to be one of the most ideologically charged discussions of the session.

The marathon debate, stretching over 10 hours, will open with the Prime Minister’s address and conclude with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s reply on behalf of the government. The discussion marks a rare occasion where a cultural and historical symbol becomes the centerpiece of a full-day parliamentary confrontation.

The ruling BJP-led NDA intends to use the moment to showcase the legacy and relevance of Vande Mataram, while the Opposition, particularly the Congress, is preparing to strongly counter allegations revived by the Prime Minister in recent days. The confrontation is expected to spill over into the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday, ensuring that the issue dominates Parliament for at least two consecutive days.

Vande Mataram Debate and PM Modi’s Sharp Attack on Congress

The political temperature has risen sharply after Prime Minister Modi accused the Congress of diluting the original version of Vande Mataram during its 1937 Faizabad session. He alleged that “important stanzas” were deliberately removed, a move he claimed weakened the song’s ideological force and even linked it to the eventual Partition of India.

These remarks have set the stage for a fierce exchange in the Lok Sabha, with the BJP framing the issue as a question of national unity and ideological commitment. The government is expected to present what it describes as “lesser-known historical facts” about the song’s role in the freedom movement and accuse the Congress of compromising on a powerful national symbol.

Congress Pushes Back with Historical Justification

The Congress has firmly rejected the Prime Minister’s narrative, maintaining that the 1937 decision was not political but rooted in inclusivity. Party leaders argue that the modified version of the song was adopted after consultations with eminent personalities such as Rabindranath Tagore. According to the party, the aim was to respect the sentiments of people from different faiths and communities to strengthen national harmony during the freedom struggle.

Senior Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra is among those scheduled to take part in the debate, and the party plans to position its stand as one of consensus-building rather than ideological surrender. The Opposition is also expected to accuse the BJP of selectively interpreting history for political mileage.

Vande Mataram Debate Linked to Recent Row on Parliamentary Decorum

The timing of this debate is particularly sensitive, as it comes just weeks after a controversy erupted over parliamentary decorum. The Rajya Sabha Secretariat had reiterated an advisory asking MPs to avoid slogans such as Vande Mataram and Jai Hind inside the House. The Opposition quickly seized on this to accuse the NDA of being uneasy with symbols of India’s independence.

This backdrop is expected to intensify the tone of today’s proceedings, as both sides attempt to outdo each other in asserting their commitment to patriotism and national identity. The issue is no longer confined to history alone; it has now become a reflection of the deeper ideological divide between the Treasury benches and the Opposition.

Disruptions Expected Over Flight Crisis and Key Bills Ahead

Adding to the likelihood of disruptions, Opposition MPs are also expected to raise strong objections over the massive IndiGo flight cancellations that stranded thousands of passengers across the country over the weekend. The aviation chaos is likely to be brought into today’s discussion, further complicating the government’s effort to keep the focus on the anniversary debate.

With the legislative logjam cleared last week, Parliament is also preparing for a series of high-impact discussions later in the week, including possible debates on election reforms. As a result, the second week of the Winter Session is poised to blend symbolism, confrontation, and policy in equal measure—setting up one of the most intense stretches of parliamentary business this year.

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