Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath launched a sharp critique against the Congress party, accusing it of compromising India's national song, Vande Mataram, for political appeasement. He made these remarks during a significant debate in the Uttar Pradesh State Assembly commemorating '150 years of Vande Mataram'.
A Sacred Symbol, Not Just Music
Adityanath emphasized that Vande Mataram transcends being a mere musical composition. He described it as a sacred symbol of India's heritage and national consciousness. The Chief Minister argued that the song embodies the spirit and sacrifice of the nation's freedom struggle, holding a profound place in the country's cultural and historical identity.
Historical Decision Under Fire
The core of Adityanath's criticism focused on a historical decision made by the Congress party. He pointed to the period of 1937-38 when the party, according to him, decided to limit the recitation of Vande Mataram to only its first two stanzas. The CM labeled this move a political compromise that deliberately weakened the song's impact and diluted its message of national unity.
"Was this decision taken due to religious compulsion, or was it a deliberate political move?" Adityanath questioned during the assembly session, urging for introspection on the motives behind the historical stance.
A Call for Apology and Lessons for the Future
Yogi Adityanath stressed the importance of learning from history to guide the new generation. He stated that those who were responsible for making such compromises in the past, or those who continue to oppose the national song in the present, should acknowledge their mistakes and apologize to the nation.
The debate in the Lucknow assembly served as a platform to reiterate the song's significance and to frame its historical journey as a lesson against what the CM termed as appeasement politics. The event underscored the ongoing political and cultural discourse surrounding national symbols in India.
