PM Modi to launch special Lok Sabha debate marking 150 years of ‘Vande Mataram’

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to launch a special discussion in the Lok Sabha on Monday to commemorate 150 years of ‘Vande Mataram’, in an exercise aimed at spotlighting several lesser-known aspects of the iconic patriotic song.

During the debate, PM Modi is expected to reflect on the song’s role in India’s freedom movement, its historical legacy, and its relevance today.

Written by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee and first published on November 7, 1875, in the literary journal Bangadarshan, Vande Mataram has long been regarded as a powerful symbol of national identity.

The Prime Minister’s remarks are being closely watched by Opposition members. At a recent anniversary event, he accused the Congress of "removing important stanzas" from the original song during its 1937 session in Faizabad.

PM Modi had said that the party’s decision "sowed the seeds of Partition" and effectively divided the national song. The Congress, however, has maintained that the move was based on the advice of Rabindranath Tagore and was intended to respect the sentiments of people from different communities.

In the Rajya Sabha, the discussion on Vande Mataram is expected to be opened by Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday. According to the schedule, members of the ruling NDA have been allocated three of the 10 hours set aside for the Lok Sabha debate.

The run-up to the Winter Session saw a political flashpoint after the Rajya Sabha Secretariat reiterated that MPs should avoid using expressions like ‘Vande Mataram’ and ‘Jai Hind’ inside Parliament to preserve decorum. The Opposition criticised the NDA government, accusing it of being uneasy with symbols associated with India’s independence and unity.

With the Winter Session continuing until December 19, the upcoming debate on Vande Mataram is expected to be intense, as differences between the treasury and Opposition benches over the song’s interpretation are likely to surface prominently.