Politics

New Delhi: During the historic Lok Sabha debate marking the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram, BJP MP Anurag Thakur launched a scathing attack on the Congress party, targeting its leadership, particularly Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi. Why Were Rahul & Priyanka Gandhi Absent? Thakur questioned why the Gandhi siblings were absent from the House on such a significant occasion for the nation. He accused the Congress of repeatedly distancing itself from symbols that foster national unity. Vande Mataram “Allergy” for Some Revisiting historical controversies, Thakur referred to Jawaharlal Nehru’s selective acceptance of only two stanzas of Vande Mataram and Jinnah’s opposition to it. He argued that contemporary Congress has not moved beyond that mindset. “For patriots, Vande ...

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to embark on a significant visit to Oman next week, a trip that underscores the deep and longstanding strategic partnership between the two nations. Oman, one of India’s oldest and most reliable allies in West Asia, has consistently supported India politically, economically, and militarily for over seven decades. A Strategic and Economic Ally Officials familiar with India-Oman relations highlight that Oman is not only a key economic partner in the oil-rich Gulf region but also a critical defense collaborator. The recent strengthening of defense cooperation and expansion of bilateral trade has added heightened importance to Modi’s visit. This trip coincides with the 70th anniversary of diplomatic ties between India and Oman. Just under...

New Delhi: During a heated debate in the Lok Sabha on Vande Mataram, All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) MP Asaduddin Owaisi took a strong stance against attempts to equate patriotism with compulsory displays of loyalty. He argued that India gained independence because “we never merged religion with the nation,” urging lawmakers not to enforce patriotic rituals as a test of allegiance. “Patriotism Should Tackle Poverty, Not Become a Loyalty Test” Owaisi criticized those who had no role in the freedom struggle but now claim moral authority to define patriotism. “If you want to show patriotism, work to eradicate poverty,” he said. Targeting the BJP, he questioned whether the party intended to make Vande Mataram a “test of loyalty,” emphasizing that forcing it upon citizens w...

New Delhi: On Monday, during the Winter Session of Parliament, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Lok Sabha on the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram. Composed by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay and designated as the national song in 1950, Vande Mataram will be discussed for 10 hours in both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha this week. The debate in Rajya Sabha on Tuesday will be led by Home Minister Amit Shah from the BJP. 1. Historical Significance of Vande MataramPM Modi recalled the song’s history and its national role. He noted that when Vande Mataram turned 50, India was still under British rule. By the time it reached 100, the country had faced the Emergency, and the Constitution had been suppressed. 2. Inspiration for the Freedom StruggleThe Prime Minister said the song ener...

New Delhi: During the special debate on the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram in the Lok Sabha, Prime Minister Narendra Modi invoked an ancient Sanskrit shloka: “Mātā Bhūmiḥ Putro Ahaṃ Pṛthivyāḥ” – meaning “The Earth is my mother, and I am her son.” He also referred to Lord Ram to highlight the cultural and spiritual significance behind the national song. PM Modi explained that Vande Mataram was not merely a call for political freedom from British rule. It represented the larger struggle to liberate the motherland from the chains of colonial domination. He said, “From the time of the Vedas, we have been taught that the Earth is our mother and we are her children. This principle inspired our freedom movement and guided our ancestors in their fight for the nation.” Link to Lord Ram an...

New Delhi: During a special debate in the Lok Sabha on the 150th anniversary of the national song Vande Mataram, Prime Minister Narendra Modi accused the Congress party of undermining the song over the past century. He questioned, “If Vande Mataram was so great, why was it betrayed? Whose influence dictated even Mahatma Gandhi’s approach to it?” Opposition to ‘Vande Mataram’ Intensified in 1937PM Modi noted that in 1937, opposition to Vande Mataram gained momentum when Muhammad Ali Jinnah and the Muslim League began protesting against the song. According to the Prime Minister, instead of criticizing Jinnah’s statements, then Congress President Jawaharlal Nehru initiated a review of the song merely five days after the protests began. Congress Yielded to Muslim League PressureThe Prime...