Defence Minister Rajnath Singh proposed adding a fundamental duty to the Constitution, mandating equal respect for ‘Vande Mataram’ as the national anthem. He accused Congress of communalizing the song due to appeasement politics, urging parliamentarians to restore its glory and honor its author. Singh highlighted historical attempts to truncate the song, deeming it an injustice to national identity. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh proposed adding a fundamental duty to the Constitution, mandating equal respect for ‘Vande Mataram’ as the national anthem. He accused Congress of communalizing the song due to appeasement politics, urging parliamentarians to restore its glory and honor its author. Singh highlighted historical attempts to truncate the song, deeming it an injustice to national identity. NEW DELHI: Accusing Congress of portraying ‘Vande Mataram’ as “communalist” on account of its own appeasement politics – which made it see the national song through the lens of MA Jinnah – defence minister Rajnath Singh on Monday urged parliamentarians across party lines to restore its glory by adding a new fundamental duty in the Constitution that mandates according the same respect to ‘Vande Mataram’ as is given to the national anthem.”My request to all members is that we all come together and consider whether we can add a new fundamental duty under Article 51A of the Constitution – that all citizens shall accord the same respect to ‘Vande Mataram’ as we accord to the national anthem. If we do this, it will be a perfect tribute to ‘Vande Mataram’, its author, and Bengal’s great nationalist thinker Bankim Chandra Chatterjee,” Singh said while participating in a discussion in Lok Sabha on the 150th anniversary of the national song.Singh said that after Independence, it was decided that the national anthem and the national song would be given equal status, but only the national anthem ‘Jana Gana Mana’ became an integral part of the country’s consciousness, while the national song ‘Vande Mataram’ was treated like an “extra”.”On the very soil where ‘Vande Mataram’ was composed, the Congress took the decision to truncate the song in 1937. Every generation must know about the political deceit and injustice done to ‘Vande Mataram’. This injustice was not only to a song but to the people of independent India and the freedom fighters who fought for freedom with chants of ‘Vande Mataram’,” he said.’Vande Mataram’ is complete in itself, yet attempts were made to make it incomplete. “However, it has remained the immortal song of our nation, and it will remain so,” he added.Singh emphasised that future generations must understand the mentality of those who undermined the song, calling it an injustice to India’s cultural and national identity.Earlier, LS Speaker Om Birla described ‘Vande Mataram’ as a reflection of India’s harmony and strength. In his opening remarks, Birla said that as the country commemorates the 150-year glorious journey of ‘Vande Mataram’, it remains etched in the heart of every Indian even today. Former Union minister and BJP MP Anurag Thakur said, “Vande Mataram’ is not just a song; it is a ‘Maha Mantra’. It is neither a religious song nor a party, nor individual, song. ‘Vande Mataram’ represents national pride and Indian culture.”End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’Nonchalant, Lackadaisical Attitude’: Ex-AirAsia CFO Breaks Down Indigo Fiasco’It Was Treated Like An Extra’: Rajnath Singh Slams Congress For ‘Injustice’ To Vande Mataram’Biggest Mistake’: TMC’s Mahua Moitra Blasts PM Modi, Dares BJP To Win Bengal With Divisive PoliticsIndia Issues Warning To China Over Targeting Indians, Blasts Pakistan’s Remarks On Arunachal PradeshThe Truth Behind Curtailed Vande Mataram : Politics, Unity And A Century Of Cultural TensionAAP MP Raghav Chadha Calls Out ‘Legalised Loot’ Of Toll Plazas In Rajya Sabha’Only 2 Reasons’: Priyanka Gandhi Slams PM Modi, Links Vande Mataram Debate To Bengal Polls’Jinnah Ka Munna…’: Anurag Thakur’s Brutal Attack on Congress, Rips Apart Rahul, Priyanka Gandhi’Will Set An Example’: IndiGo Faces Heat As Aviation Minister Promises Tough Action In Rajya SabhaGoa Club Fire Exposed Deadly Design Errors, Trapping Dozens As Only One Exit Functioned123PhotostoriesWhat happens when you stop eating sugar for 30 days5 ways to enjoy egg and spinach for breakfastFood combinations with yogurt that are healthy or can be toxicBoard-certified doctor shares 8 foods that people with arthritis should add to their daily diet5 teen Indian cricketers who are already making waves8 Indian dishes one can make with oats5 deep and emotional RupiKaur quotes on love and heartbreak5 animals with lifespans shorter than a weekFrom gold-medalist engineer to nightclub boss — The rise of Saurabh LuthraHeartbreak and closure: After Dileep’s acquittal, all eyes turn to Manju Warrier’s next move123Hot PicksIndigo Flight DelayPutin India VisitWorld NewsGold rate todaySilver rate todayPublic Holidays NovemberBank Holidays NovemberTop TrendingOmarion HamptonJaxson DartPatrick MahomesMariasharapova and Alexander Net worthAryna Sabalenka Net WorthJohn TavaresRafael Nadal and Mery Net WorthCandace OwensMirka Federer Net WorthCardi B
NEW DELHI: Accusing Congress of portraying ‘Vande Mataram’ as “communalist” on account of its own appeasement politics – which made it see the national song through the lens of MA Jinnah – defence minister Rajnath Singh on Monday urged parliamentarians across party lines to restore its glory by adding a new fundamental duty in the Constitution that mandates according the same respect to ‘Vande Mataram’ as is given to the national anthem.“My request to all members is that we all come together and consider whether we can add a new fundamental duty under Article 51A of the Constitution – that all citizens shall accord the same respect to ‘Vande Mataram’ as we accord to the national anthem. If we do this, it will be a perfect tribute to ‘Vande Mataram’, its author, and Bengal’s great nationalist thinker Bankim Chandra Chatterjee,” Singh said while participating in a discussion in Lok Sabha on the 150th anniversary of the national song.Singh said that after Independence, it was decided that the national anthem and the national song would be given equal status, but only the national anthem ‘Jana Gana Mana‘ became an integral part of the country’s consciousness, while the national song ‘Vande Mataram’ was treated like an “extra”.“On the very soil where ‘Vande Mataram’ was composed, the Congress took the decision to truncate the song in 1937. Every generation must know about the political deceit and injustice done to ‘Vande Mataram’. This injustice was not only to a song but to the people of independent India and the freedom fighters who fought for freedom with chants of ‘Vande Mataram’,” he said.‘Vande Mataram’ is complete in itself, yet attempts were made to make it incomplete. “However, it has remained the immortal song of our nation, and it will remain so,” he added.Singh emphasised that future generations must understand the mentality of those who undermined the song, calling it an injustice to India’s cultural and national identity.Earlier, LS Speaker Om Birla described ‘Vande Mataram’ as a reflection of India’s harmony and strength. In his opening remarks, Birla said that as the country commemorates the 150-year glorious journey of ‘Vande Mataram’, it remains etched in the heart of every Indian even today. Former Union minister and BJP MP Anurag Thakur said, “Vande Mataram’ is not just a song; it is a ‘Maha Mantra’. It is neither a religious song nor a party, nor individual, song. ‘Vande Mataram’ represents national pride and Indian culture.”
