Rajya Sabha session on Vande Mataram’s 150 years turned combative as Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge accused BJP’s predecessors of working for the British. Home minister Amit Shah rejected claims of political timing, urging members to view the song’s significance beyond elections. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge NEW DELHI: As the Rajya Sabha met on Tuesday for a special discussion marking 150 years of Vande Mataram, the session quickly turned combative. Congress president and Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge used the occasion to criticise BJP’s ideological predecessors, accusing them of “working for the Britishers,” while Congress leaders were fighting for independence.Kharge said the Congress had played a central role in turning Vande Mataram into a rallying call against British rule. “Your (BJP) history is that you were always against the freedom struggle and patriotic songs. When Mahatma Gandhi started the non-cooperation movement in 1921, lakhs of freedom fighters from the Congress went to jail chanting ‘Vande Mataram’. What were you doing? You were working for the Britishers,” he said. ‘Leader Is Bulldozing’: Kharge, Nadda Lock Horns Over TMC MP’s Speech In Rajya Sabha He also alleged that PM Modi “leaves no chance to insult Jawaharlal Nehru,” adding, “Home Minister Amit Shah follows the same,” as quoted by ANI.Earlier in the House, Shah rejected Opposition claims that the discussion was politically timed ahead of the West Bengal assembly elections. He said critics needed to “think afresh” about the legacy and significance of the national song. “Some people believe that because there are elections in Bengal, this discussion is being held. They want to link the glorification of Vande Mataram with the West Bengal elections. I think they need to reconsider their understanding,” he said. Describing the song as an “immortal creation that awakens devotion and duty toward Mother India,” he urged members to view the debate beyond electoral politics.Vande Mataram, first composed independently and later included in Bankim Chandra Chatterjee’s 1882 novel Anandamath, completed 150 years on November 7, 2025.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 MediaVideosBJP’S Sanjay Jaiswal Thanks Rahul Gandhi For ‘Vote Chori’ Charge, Claims It Boosted NDA’S Bihar WinWhy India’s New Right To Disconnect Bill Could Transform Work Culture, Protect Millions From Burnout’BLOs Are Dying, Shut Down SIR’: Manish Tewari’s Charge Triggers Showdown Over Election ReformsAs 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 Patriotism123PhotostoriesVirat Kohli and Anushka Sharma’s 8 relationship lessons for every coupleFrom Noida’s expressway belt to the skies — Jewar Airport emerges as India’s ultimate gatewayBrain health tips: Neurosurgeon shares 5 simple habits that help6 Indian cities among 100 Best Food Cities In The WorldZinc: 7 red flags you’re low in this essential mineral (and why it’s more harmful than you think)From solar rooftops to EV boom — How South Bengaluru became Karnataka’s clean-energy hubFrom 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 innovator123Hot PicksCandace OwensCharlie KirkWorld NewsGold rate todaySilver rate todayPublic Holidays NovemberBank Holidays NovemberTop TrendingJalen HurtsDonald TrumpJEE Main New RecommendationsMariasharapova and Alexander Net worthAryna Sabalenka Net WorthAlix EarleRafael Nadal and Mery Net WorthCandace OwensTop US Colleges Co-OpProgramsF-1 students US
NEW DELHI: As the Rajya Sabha met on Tuesday for a special discussion marking 150 years of Vande Mataram, the session quickly turned combative. Congress president and Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge used the occasion to criticise BJP’s ideological predecessors, accusing them of “working for the Britishers,” while Congress leaders were fighting for independence.Kharge said the Congress had played a central role in turning Vande Mataram into a rallying call against British rule. “Your (BJP) history is that you were always against the freedom struggle and patriotic songs. When Mahatma Gandhi started the non-cooperation movement in 1921, lakhs of freedom fighters from the Congress went to jail chanting ‘Vande Mataram’. What were you doing? You were working for the Britishers,” he said.
He also alleged that PM Modi “leaves no chance to insult Jawaharlal Nehru,” adding, “Home Minister Amit Shah follows the same,” as quoted by ANI.Earlier in the House, Shah rejected Opposition claims that the discussion was politically timed ahead of the West Bengal assembly elections. He said critics needed to “think afresh” about the legacy and significance of the national song. “Some people believe that because there are elections in Bengal, this discussion is being held. They want to link the glorification of Vande Mataram with the West Bengal elections. I think they need to reconsider their understanding,” he said. Describing the song as an “immortal creation that awakens devotion and duty toward Mother India,” he urged members to view the debate beyond electoral politics.Vande Mataram, first composed independently and later included in Bankim Chandra Chatterjee’s 1882 novel Anandamath, completed 150 years on November 7, 2025.
