TMC and BJP Lock Horns Over 'Vande Mataram' and Tagore's Patriotism
In a sharp escalation of political tensions in West Bengal, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have engaged in a heated debate over the national song 'Vande Mataram' and the legacy of Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore. The controversy erupted as TMC accused the BJP of attempting to appropriate cultural icons for partisan gain, while the BJP countered by emphasizing the broad historical acceptance of 'Vande Mataram' among Bengal's freedom fighters.
TMC's Fiery Accusations Against BJP
TMC Rajya Sabha MP Ritabrata Banerjee launched a scathing attack on the BJP, alleging that the party's leaders are questioning Tagore's patriotism. "Those whose political ancestors submitted mercy petitions to colonial rulers now seek to adjudicate Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore's patriotism," Banerjee stated, referencing historical narratives. He challenged BJP leaders to publicly declare that Tagore was responsible for Bengal's Partition, asserting that such a claim would be met with strong opposition from the people of Bengal.
Banerjee further highlighted the constitutional history, noting that the Constituent Assembly on January 24, 1950, designated 'Jana Gana Mana' as the national anthem and 'Vande Mataram' as the national song. "While altering this, there was no discussion, no debate. An executive fiat cannot suddenly dictate that a three-minute-10-second version of 'Vande Mataram' must be sung before 'Jana Gana Mana'. This is how fascists work. This is the cultural hegemony that BJP wants to impose," he argued vehemently.
The TMC reinforced this stance on social media, posting: "Bengal does not accept performative nationalism masquerading as cultural guardianship. Our icons are not instruments of partisan theatre; they are civilizational beacons. And Bengal will answer this appropriation, decisively, in 2026." The party criticized the BJP for what it termed as "ideological discomfort" with Tagore, even referencing claims that 'Jana Gana Mana' was composed to welcome the British.
BJP's Historical Defense of 'Vande Mataram'
In response, BJP's IT cell chief Amit Malviya provided a detailed historical account to underscore the widespread acceptability of 'Vande Mataram' in Bengal. Avoiding a direct Tagore-versus-Chattopadhyay debate, Malviya traced the song's journey from its first publication in the literary journal 'Bangadarshan' edited by Rishi Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay on November 7, 1875, to its inclusion in the novel 'Anandamath' in 1882.
Malviya emphasized that Rabindranath Tagore himself rendered the hymn at the Calcutta session of the Indian National Congress in 1896, and it became a rallying cry during the uprising against the Partition of Bengal in 1905. He noted that the words 'Vande Mataram' were incorporated into Bhikaji Cama's version of the Tricolour in 1907, describing it as what Sri Aurobindo called the "Mantra of Bharat."
"For countless freedom fighters of Bengal, from Khudiram Bose and Kanailal Dutta to the moderates, 'Vande Mataram' represented a shared obeisance to Bharat Mata," Malviya wrote. He highlighted the poignant example of Matangini Hazra, who faced death at the hands of British colonial police while chanting 'Vande Mataram', symbolizing the song's deep-rooted significance in the nationalist movement.
Broader Implications and Political Ramifications
This clash is not merely a historical or cultural debate but has significant political undertones as both parties vie for influence in West Bengal. The TMC's accusations of cultural appropriation and executive overreach reflect its strategy to position itself as the guardian of Bengal's heritage, while the BJP's focus on historical narratives aims to bolster its nationalist credentials.
The controversy also touches on broader issues of how national symbols are interpreted and used in contemporary politics. With the TMC warning of a decisive response in the 2026 elections, this row is likely to intensify, shaping political discourse in the state. The debate underscores the delicate balance between honoring historical legacies and avoiding their politicization, a challenge that continues to resonate in India's diverse cultural landscape.
