New Delhi: Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said the ongoing debate on Vande Mataram in Lok Sabha diverts attention from the challenges that people face today. She said the national song is part of India’s heritage and does not require a fresh debate.
During a special discussion, she said the ruling party brought the topic to shape political messaging before the Bengal Assembly elections. She said the move helps shift focus from issues such as paper leaks, unemployment among youth, denial of reservations to eligible communities, rising pollution and crimes against women. She urged the government to hold a discussion on these concerns.
She said centralisation of power has increased and many members of the ruling side are uncomfortable with this trend. She said people want solutions to present day problems.
During her address, Priyanka Gandhi acknowledged the Prime Minister’s strong speaking abilities and referred to his confidence during his early years in office. She said the Prime Minister appears less confident today and said recent foreign policy decisions have weakened India’s image.
She disagreed with the Prime Minister’s criticism of former PM Jawaharlal Nehru while discussing the national song. She said he did not mention the role of B. R. Ambedkar and Subhas Chandra Bose in earlier decisions on Vande Mataram. She read from a letter written by Nehru in which he cautioned against communal attitudes while discussing the song.
She said the Congress respects the national song and does not want to take part in a debate that brings back old disputes.
