New Delhi: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday offered a brief yet pointed response amid the ongoing Parliamentary debate on the national song Vande Mataram, urging people to “Priyanka ka bhashan suno” (Listen to Priyanka Gandhi’s speech). His remark came on a day when Prime Minister Narendra Modi initiated a detailed discussion in the Lok Sabha to mark 150 years of the iconic song.

PM Modi opens debate on national song

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s address set the tone for the discussion, highlighting the historical significance of Vande Mataram, written by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee and first published in 1875. He referred to the song as a “sacred call for freedom”, emphasising its role in uniting the nation during the anti-colonial struggle.

He recalled that though the British divided Bengal in 1905, the resonance of Vande Mataram strengthened public unity. The PM said the country was now witnessing a “historic moment” as the national song completes 150 years.

Accusing the Congress of earlier diluting the spirit of the song, Mr. Modi said, “When Vande Mataram completed 100 years, the nation was under the Emergency. The Constitution was suppressed, and patriotic voices were jailed. Today, we have an opportunity to restore the glory of Vande Mataram.”

He added that the debate should inspire a renewed understanding of India’s civilisational legacy.

Congress counters government narrative

The Congress has strongly rejected the BJP’s claims that the party had dropped important stanzas of Vande Mataram during its 1937 Faizabad session. The Prime Minister had argued that the decision “sowed the seeds of Partition” and “dissected the national song into pieces”.

However, Congress leaders stated that the move in 1937 was taken on the advice of Rabindranath Tagore. The party said the decision respected the sentiments of members from different faiths without diminishing the national song’s importance.

Senior leaders also demanded an apology from the BJP, alleging that the ruling party was “insulting” both the Congress Working Committee of 1937 and Tagore. The Opposition accused the government of twisting historical facts for political mileage.

Rahul Gandhi’s brief remark draws attention

While several leaders engaged in lengthy arguments, Rahul Gandhi chose to respond with just four words. When asked about the ongoing debate, he said, “Priyanka ka bhashan suno.”

His comment referred to Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra’s speech in the Lok Sabha, where she had criticised the government for attempting to create divisions through selective interpretations of history.

Mr. Gandhi’s minimalistic reaction quickly gained traction on social media, with users interpreting it as a strategic deflection and an endorsement of Priyanka Gandhi’s arguments made during the discussion.

Earlier controversy over Parliamentary decorum

Just before the Winter Session began, the Rajya Sabha Secretariat had issued an advisory asking Members of Parliament to refrain from using expressions such as Vande Mataram and Jai Hind inside the House to maintain decorum during addresses.
The advisory triggered a strong political confrontation, with the Opposition accusing the BJP-led NDA of being uncomfortable with national symbols that played a crucial role in India’s Independence movement.

The BJP dismissed the criticism, stating that the guidelines were procedural and not reflective of the government’s stance on patriotic expressions.

Debate scheduled for 10 hours

As per the schedule, the Lok Sabha has earmarked 10 hours for the debate on Vande Mataram, with the ruling NDA allotted three hours.
Deputy Leader of the Opposition Gaurav Gogoi is expected to present a detailed reply during the later part of the discussion.

The debate is likely to continue over the next two days, with contributions expected from multiple parties across the political spectrum.