Special Discussion On Vande Mataram In Parliament Likely This Week, PM Modi To Address

Special discussion on 150 years of Vande Mataram to be held in Parliament | File Image

Parliament is set to hold a special discussion on 150 years of Vande Mataram later this week, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi expected to speak during the debate.

The Lok Sabha is likely to take up the discussion on Thursday or Friday, and 10 hours have been earmarked for what the government has described as a significant commemoration of India’s national song.

The move comes just as the Winter Session began on Monday and is already shaping up to be contentious.

The government has listed 10 bills for introduction, even as the Opposition continues to press for a full-fledged debate on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, an issue it insists must be taken up before other business.

Opposition Divided On Vande Mataram Debate

Ahead of the session, the Opposition appeared split over the proposed Vande Mataram discussion.

During the Lok Sabha Business Advisory Committee meeting, the Congress opposed holding the debate, questioning its timing and accusing the government of using it as a distraction from electoral reforms and the SIR issue.

The Trinamool Congress (TMC), however, supported the discussion and indicated its MPs may skip the Opposition’s strategy meeting called by Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge.

A war of words broke out between the BJP and Congress in the meeting, with the Congress alleging the government was avoiding uncomfortable debates.

The BJP countered that the Opposition should acknowledge the significance of the 150-year milestone of Vande Mataram and welcome the discussion.

The Vande Mataram Row

The renewed political sparring comes days after a parliamentary bulletin reiterated rules on maintaining decorum in the House, stating that slogans such as “Thanks,” “Jai Hind,” and “Vande Mataram” should not be raised during proceedings.

The Opposition seized on the mention of Vande Mataram, with TMC chief and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee questioning the government’s stance and Congress leaders accusing it of hypocrisy.

Government sources have since indicated that the reference may be withdrawn, while noting that the dos-and-don’ts list was originally introduced in 2012 during the UPA era when Hamid Ansari presided over the Rajya Sabha, a point the Treasury benches have been quick to highlight.

With the Opposition demanding an immediate debate on electoral roll revisions and the government prioritising the Vande Mataram commemoration, the Winter Session, running until December 19, is expected to see testy exchanges.

Despite the political friction, the Centre is preparing for an extended, high-profile discussion in the Lok Sabha, culminating in an address by Prime Minister Modi on the enduring legacy of Vande Mataram.

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