BJP Criticizes Congress for Opposing Vande Mataram Protection Bill

Kohima, India Jul 18, 2026 ALN: NEW DELHI, JUL 17: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has publicly criticized the Congress party for its opposition to a proposed bill that seeks to impose penalties for insulting or obstructing the mandatory singing of Vande Mataram at official events. This bill is set to be introduced in the upcoming Parliament session, which begins on July 20.

The government has listed the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, which aims to provide Vande Mataram with the same legal protection as the national anthem, Jana Gana Mana. The Lok Sabha Secretariat has confirmed that the bill is scheduled for introduction, consideration, and passing during the Monsoon session. This legislative move comes amidst ongoing debates about national identity and the role of patriotic symbols in Indian society.

Vande Mataram, a song composed by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee in the late 19th century, has been a significant part of India’s struggle for independence. It is often viewed as a symbol of national pride and unity. The song's first two stanzas were adopted as the national song of India in 1950, and it has been a subject of reverence among many Indians. However, its place in contemporary politics has become contentious, particularly in the context of religious and cultural diversity in India.

The BJP's criticism of Congress is not merely a reflection of their political rivalry; it also highlights a broader ideological divide in Indian politics regarding nationalism and secularism. The BJP has consistently positioned itself as the defender of Hindu nationalism, while the Congress party has aimed to uphold a more secular, inclusive vision of Indian identity. This ideological clash often surfaces during discussions about national symbols like Vande Mataram, which some view as inherently tied to Hindu identity.

BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla expressed disappointment that instead of supporting the initiative and celebrating the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram, the Congress party has chosen to oppose it. In a video statement, he remarked, "Congress and its ecosystem hate Vande Mataram. The government is bringing the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act to give Vande Mataram, as the national song, the same respect as the national flag and the national anthem. But instead of welcoming this, Congress has a problem with it." This statement reflects the BJP's strategy of framing the Congress party's stance as unpatriotic, leveraging nationalistic sentiments to galvanize support among its base.

Poonawalla further claimed that the first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, had divided the national song into two parts under pressure from the Muslim League, and several Congress leaders have historically refused to sing even the initial stanzas of the song. He stated, "Nehru ji divided the song into two parts. Congress and many of its leaders refused to sing Vande Mataram even when there were only the first two stanzas. Whether it is Siddaramaiah, the Madhya Pradesh Congress, or Sonia Gandhi, we have seen that they have a hatred towards Vande Mataram." This historical reference points to the complex relationship between national symbols and communal politics in India, suggesting that the Congress party's hesitance to fully embrace Vande Mataram stems from its broader commitment to secularism and inclusivity, particularly in a religiously diverse nation.

The BJP spokesperson accused the Congress of showing favoritism towards Naxalites and terrorists while displaying animosity towards Vande Mataram. He asserted, "Even now, they hate Vande Mataram; this shows their mindset. They can eulogize Hidma, say ‘Naxali shaheed hai’ (Naxals are martyrs); they can have a soft corner for terrorists like Afzal and Yakub. But when it comes to Bharat Mata and Vande Mataram, they have a problem. This shows that it is not the INC, Indian National Congress, but ANC, Anti-National Congress." This rhetoric is indicative of the BJP's approach to political discourse, which often seeks to polarize opinions by framing its opponents as unpatriotic or anti-national, particularly in the context of issues related to national security and identity.

Poonawalla concluded by stating that the Congress party's opposition to Vande Mataram continues to this day, particularly as they are in alliance with the Muslim League in Kerala. He emphasized that this historical context illustrates a persistent pattern of disrespect towards the national song by the Congress party. This assertion highlights the ongoing tensions between different political ideologies in India, illustrating how historical grievances can be leveraged in contemporary political battles.

The proposed bill and the surrounding controversy also bring to light the broader implications of legislating patriotism in a diverse society. The BJP's push for legal protection of Vande Mataram raises questions about freedom of expression and the potential consequences for dissenters. Critics of such measures argue that enforcing mandatory singing of a national song could infringe upon individual rights and freedoms, particularly in a country that prides itself on its democratic values. This concern is particularly salient in light of India's long-standing commitment to secularism and pluralism, which are foundational to its Constitution.

Moreover, the timing of this legislative initiative coincides with significant events in Indian politics, including upcoming elections and ongoing debates about national identity in the context of globalization and regionalism. The BJP's emphasis on Vande Mataram as a unifying symbol may resonate with its core supporters, but it also risks alienating those who feel that their cultural or religious identities are not adequately represented in the national narrative. This tension is particularly pronounced among minority communities, who may view the BJP's promotion of Hindu-centric symbols as exclusionary.

As the Monsoon session of Parliament approaches, the discourse surrounding the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill will likely intensify. The Congress party's response to the BJP's criticisms and its stance on the bill will be closely monitored, as it could have significant implications for its political strategy moving forward. The outcome of this legislative proposal may also influence public sentiment regarding national symbols and the extent to which they are embraced or contested in the fabric of Indian society.

In conclusion, the ongoing debate surrounding the Vande Mataram Protection Bill encapsulates the complex interplay between nationalism, secularism, and the diverse cultural landscape of India. As political parties navigate these contentious waters, the implications of their stances will reverberate beyond the immediate legislative process, shaping the discourse around national identity and the role of patriotic symbols in a rapidly changing society. With the potential for significant political ramifications, the upcoming Parliament session will serve as a critical juncture in the ongoing debate over what it means to be patriotic in contemporary India.