Home Affairs Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday launched a scathing attack on the Opposition for linking the discussion commemorating 150 years of Vande Mataram to the upcoming West Bengal Assembly elections and said that the song is not limited to the aforementioned state.Initiating the discussion on commemoration of 150 years of ‘Vande Mataram’ in the Rajya Sabha, Shah said, “This great House has come together to reflect on the spirit of Vande Mataram, to honour its glory, and to keep it eternally alive. Through this discussion, especially for our country’s children, adolescents, youth and future generations, they must understand Vande Mataram’s contribution to our freedom struggle, the patriotism embodied in its composition, and the spirit of dedication to the nation and its culture. May this understanding inspire their participation in building a future for great India.”
Slamming the Opposition, he said, “Some members raised questions in the Lok Sabha yesterday, asking why there is a need for the discussions on Vande Mataram. The need for discussion on Vande Mataram, the need for dedication towards Vande Mataram, was important back then; it is needed now, and it will always be significant for the formation of great India, which we have envisioned for 2047.”
He further called out the Opposition for linking the national song to the upcoming West Bengal Assembly elections and said that “Vande Mataram is not limited to Bengal”.