Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Monday accused the government of using the Vande Mataram debate to divert public attention from current challenges. She said the national song forms the soul of India, and ‘there can be no debate on it’.
Speaking during a special discussion in the Lok Sabha, she claimed the ruling party called the debate to set a narrative ahead of the Bengal Assembly elections. She said it also aimed to levy new allegations against freedom fighters to distract citizens from pressing issues.
Gandhi criticised the government for avoiding discussion on contemporary problems, including youth suffering from paper leaks and joblessness, denial of reservations to the needy, violations of women’s rights, and environmental pollution. She said the government dug into past developments to divert public attention.
Congress Slams Government’s Diversion Tactics
“Their politics revolves around arrogance, showmanship, and event management from poll to poll,” she said, daring the government to hold a debate on real issues causing public discontent.
She further added that even members of the ruling party were unhappy due to excessive centralisation of power.
The Congress MP praised PM Modi on two counts. She lauded his oratory, despite long speeches, and recognised his policies and self-confidence during his early years as Prime Minister.
However, she said PM Modi appears less confident now, and his foreign policy tarnishes India’s global reputation.
Countering his criticism of former PM Jawaharlal Nehru regarding Vande Mataram, she accused him of presenting only one side of history.
She cited decisions taken on the song by leaders, including Dr BR Ambedkar and Subhas Chandra Bose, highlighting facts PM Modi omitted.
Gandhi read a letter from Nehru addressing communal objections to parts of Vande Mataram, reinforcing that national leaders sought unity over division.
She asserted that the national song remains in the blood of Congress.
The party rejects being dragged into a debate over historical developments, focusing instead on addressing contemporary challenges facing India.
Priyanka Gandhi’s speech combined sharp criticism of government tactics with praise for the Prime Minister’s early governance, underlining Congress’s stand on national pride and current issues.
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