Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Dec 8: Congress MP from Wayanad, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, criticised the government on Monday for initiating what she called an unnecessary and politically motivated debate on Vande Mataram in the Lok Sabha. She asserted that the national song is integral to India’s soul and “beyond any debate,” accusing the ruling party of using the issue to distract the public and shape narratives ahead of the Bengal Assembly elections.

Priyanka Gandhi argued that the discussion was designed to shift focus away from pressing national concerns such as joblessness, paper leaks, denial of reservations, women’s safety issues, and rising pollution. The government, she said, preferred to revisit past controversies rather than address the hardships currently faced by citizens.

She also claimed that excessive centralisation of power had left even members of the ruling alliance dissatisfied. In a rare acknowledgment, Priyanka praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his oratory skills and early policy confidence, but added that he now appears less assured and his foreign policy steps have affected India’s global image.

Responding to PM Modi’s criticism of former PM Jawaharlal Nehru over Vande Mataram, she argued that the Prime Minister had selectively presented history and omitted key discussions involving leaders like Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and Subhas Chandra Bose. She read out a letter by Nehru, in which he criticised the communal mindset behind calls to drop certain parts of the song.

Reaffirming the Congress party’s emotional and historical bond with Vande Mataram, Priyanka Gandhi said the party refuses to be drawn into what she described as a “futile and diversionary” debate aimed at deflecting attention from real issues.