Union Home Minister Amit Shah rejected claims that the Vande Mataram debate was politically motivated for the West Bengal elections. He stated the discussion was to highlight the national song’s importance, especially as it marked its 150th anniversary. Opposition leaders, however, linked the timing to the upcoming polls, accusing the government of distraction. Union home minister Amit Shah (ANI) NEW DELHI: Union home minister Amit Shah on Tuesday rejected the opposition’s accusation that the government sought a debate on Vande Mataram to gain political advantage in the West Bengal assembly elections scheduled for April–May next year.Also Read | Why Vande Mataram has triggered a stormVande Mataram, the national song, completed 150 years on November 7. It was written by renowned Bengali novelist and poet Bankim Chandra Chatterjee. The song was discussed in the Lok Sabha on Monday. Both Houses will hold debates on it for 10 hours each during the current week of the Winter Session of Parliament.Shah was speaking in the Rajya Sabha, where he opened the debate.Here are top quotes from Shah’s speech”Some people want to diminish its importance by linking it to the West Bengal elections. However, it is an immortal creation that inspires a sense of duty and dedication towards Mother India.””Vande Mataram was needed during freedom struggle, even now as well as when country becomes ‘Viksit Bharat’ in 2047.”Vande Mataram helped India get freedom, it will help make country Viksit in ‘Amritkaal’.””Discussion of Vande Mataram in both Houses will help future generations understand its true importance, glory. We don’t abstain from Parliament, nor run away from discussing issues; ready to discuss anything.”Several leaders of the INDI alliance, I have the list of them, had said that they will not sing ‘Vande Mataram’. I have seen it myself, several members walk out of the House whenever ‘Vande Mataram’ is sung.”Policy of appeasement started by breaking Vande Mataram; had it not happened, country would not have been divided.””When Vande Mataram turned 100, opposition leaders were thrown in jail, Emergency was imposed, country held captive.””The government has decided to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram in a big way all through the year.”About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosAs IndiGo Spirals Into Crisis, PM Modi Stresses Rules Must Ease Citizens’ Lives, Not Burden Them‘Daily Struggle To Survive’: Lawyer Exposes Grim Reality For Air India Crash FamiliesPM Modi’s Wish For Khaleda Zia’s Recovery Earns BNP Praise, Marking A Rare Diplomatic Shift In DhakaPakistan’s Asim Munir Threatens India With ‘Severe Response’ In First Speech After Becoming CDFRaghuram Rajan Claims Trump Tariffs Stemmed From Ego Clash Over Indo-Pak Ceasefire Credit Battle”Nehru’s False Sense Of Secularism”: BJP Fires Back At Priyanka Gandhi”Love For India Not Conditional” Owaisi Rejects Vande Mataram As Test Of PatriotismTrump Warns India On Rice Dumping As US Farmers Demand Action Against Cheap Imports’Nonchalant, Lackadaisical Attitude’: Ex-AirAsia CFO Breaks Down Indigo Fiasco’It Was Treated Like An Extra’: Rajnath Singh Slams Congress For ‘Injustice’ To Vande Mataram123PhotostoriesFrom Japan to Italy: 5 tips to learn from world’s healthiest countries4 Spiritually gifted people born in these months; Are you one of them?Soaked almonds vs dry almonds: Which is healthier?Elon Musk: 5 childhood confessions the Tesla CEO made and how they shaped the world’s boldest innovator7 homemade drinks that can help cleanse lungs naturallySara Ali Khan commemorates ‘Kedarnath’ milestone, highlights lessons learned with Sushant Singh Rajput- See pics5 famous doors the world still isn’t allowed to open, including 2 in IndiaClove water: How to prepare this herbal drink at home5 best foods that help lower cholesterol & sugar naturally and the right way to consume them’Simha’, ‘Legend’, ‘Narasimha Naidu’ and others: Nandamuri Balakrishna films to revisit while you wait for ‘Akhanda 2’123Hot PicksIndigo Flight DelayPutin India VisitWorld NewsGold rate todaySilver rate todayPublic Holidays NovemberBank Holidays NovemberTop TrendingJalen HurtsDonald TrumpSophie RainMariasharapova and Alexander Net worthAryna Sabalenka Net WorthAlix EarleRafael Nadal and Mery Net WorthCandace OwensTop US Colleges Co-OpProgramsF-1 students US
Union home minister Amit Shah (ANI)
NEW DELHI: Union home minister Amit Shah on Tuesday rejected the opposition’s accusation that the government sought a debate on Vande Mataram to gain political advantage in the West Bengal assembly elections scheduled for April–May next year.Also Read | Why Vande Mataram has triggered a stormVande Mataram, the national song, completed 150 years on November 7. It was written by renowned Bengali novelist and poet Bankim Chandra Chatterjee. The song was discussed in the Lok Sabha on Monday. Both Houses will hold debates on it for 10 hours each during the current week of the Winter Session of Parliament.Shah was speaking in the Rajya Sabha, where he opened the debate.Here are top quotes from Shah’s speech
- “Some people want to diminish its importance by linking it to the West Bengal elections. However, it is an immortal creation that inspires a sense of duty and dedication towards Mother India.”
- “Vande Mataram was needed during freedom struggle, even now as well as when country becomes ‘Viksit Bharat’ in 2047.”
- Vande Mataram helped India get freedom, it will help make country Viksit in ‘Amritkaal’.”
- “Discussion of Vande Mataram in both Houses will help future generations understand its true importance, glory. We don’t abstain from Parliament, nor run away from discussing issues; ready to discuss anything.”
- Several leaders of the INDI alliance, I have the list of them, had said that they will not sing ‘Vande Mataram’. I have seen it myself, several members walk out of the House whenever ‘Vande Mataram’ is sung.
- “Policy of appeasement started by breaking Vande Mataram; had it not happened, country would not have been divided.”
- “When Vande Mataram turned 100, opposition leaders were thrown in jail, Emergency was imposed, country held captive.”
- “The government has decided to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram in a big way all through the year.”
