Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday described Vande Mataram as a “rashtriya jagaran mantra”, saying the song played a powerful role in India’s freedom struggle. His remarks came amid a political controversy over Vande Mataram during the recent Winter Session of Parliament.
Speaking virtually at a public programme in Nadia district of West Bengal, Modi said the national song originated in Bengal and helped awaken a sense of unity and nationalism across the country.
Roots of Vande Mataram in Bengal’s Freedom Movement
The Prime Minister highlighted that Vande Mataram was written by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, a towering figure in Bengal’s literary and nationalist history. He said the writer had “aroused the nation” through the song and helped ignite the spirit of freedom among Indians.
Modi stressed that the song became a rallying call during the independence movement and remains deeply linked to Bengal’s cultural and historical legacy.
Tribute to Bengal’s Spiritual and Social Reformers
During his address, Modi also spoke about Bengal’s rich spiritual and reformist traditions. He described Nadia as the land of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and paid homage to Sri Harichand Thakur and Baro Ma.
According to the Prime Minister, these reformers guided society towards unity, equality, and social change, leaving a lasting impact on Indian culture.
PM Modi Ends Speech With “Vande Mataram”
In a notable departure from his usual closing slogan, “Bharat Mata Ki Jai”, Modi concluded his speech in Bengal by saying “Vande Mataram”, underlining the importance of the national song.
Ganga as a Symbol of Regional Unity
Referring to the Ganga river, Modi recalled his earlier comments about its flow from Bihar to Bengal. He said the river symbolises the cultural, emotional, and political bonds shared between different regions of India.
PM Modi Targets West Bengal Government
The Prime Minister also launched a sharp attack on the West Bengal government, accusing it of corruption and poor governance. He alleged that development projects were being delayed and claimed the administration was more focused on commissions than public welfare.
Modi said people in the state were demanding change and repeated the slogan, “Bachte chai, BJP chai” (want to live, want BJP).
Background: Vande Mataram Controversy in Parliament
Modi’s remarks came amid an intense debate in Parliament marking 150 years of Vande Mataram. Earlier this month, heated exchanges took place in both Houses over the national song.
In the Lok Sabha, Modi accused the Congress of weakening the importance of Vande Mataram due to appeasement politics. In the Rajya Sabha, Home Minister Amit Shah criticised opposition walkouts during recitations of the song, calling such actions disrespectful.
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