Bhandara: Nationalist Congress Party leader Praful Patel, while speaking to the media in Bhandara, reacted to the ongoing debate over the rendition of Vande Mataram in Parliament and criticized the Congress over the issue.
Patel said that Vande Mataram is deeply associated with India’s freedom struggle and holds significant national importance. He appealed to everyone to respect the song and said that the issue should not repeatedly be turned into a political controversy.
Praful Patel Reacts to Vande Mataram Controversy
Speaking to reporters in Bhandara, Praful Patel reacted to the controversy surrounding the rendition of Vande Mataram in Parliament and the political debate that followed.
Patel said, “Vande Mataram is a national symbol of our country. If the entire Vande Mataram is read, there is not a single sentence that should be objectionable.”
He emphasized the historical importance of Vande Mataram and said that it should be understood in the context of India’s freedom struggle and national identity. According to him, there should be no unnecessary controversy over a song associated with the country’s freedom movement.
Patel Refers to Vande Mataram’s Place in Parliament
Referring to the developments in Parliament, Patel said that Vande Mataram has an important place in the country’s parliamentary and public life.
He said that once an issue has been addressed through the parliamentary process, it should not continue to become a source of political confrontation.
Patel appealed to all political parties to respect national symbols and avoid unnecessary disputes over issues connected with them.
“Congress Was a Movement, Not a Political Party”
Speaking about the Congress and its historical role in India’s freedom struggle, Patel said that the Congress of that period should not be directly compared with the political party operating in present-day politics.
Patel said, “Congress at that time was a movement to achieve independence for the country; it was not a political party.”
He pointed out that people from different ideological backgrounds and organizations participated in India’s freedom struggle.
Patel Says Freedom Struggle Was a Broader National Movement
Patel said that the freedom movement involved people associated with different political and ideological streams.
He said, “Whether it was the BJP of today, the Bharatiya Jana Sangh of that time or people associated with different socialist ideologies, there were many people who fought for India’s independence.”
According to Patel, the freedom struggle should be viewed as a broader national effort and its contribution should not be attributed exclusively to one political organization.
Democracy and Parliamentary Decisions Should Be Respected
Praful Patel further said that after independence, India has continued to function under a democratic system in which people decide which government should come to power.
He said that political parties and leaders may have different opinions, but democratic institutions and parliamentary processes should be respected.
“Why Cut It Short?” Patel Questions Congress
Reacting to the Congress’ position on the rendition of Vande Mataram, Patel questioned why portions of the song should be removed.
He asked, “If you talk about patriotism on one side, then what is the need to cut it short?”
Patel also questioned the decision to stop Vande Mataram after it began at the Congress headquarters. He said that political differences should not come in the way of respecting a song associated with India’s freedom struggle.
Vande Mataram Controversy Triggers Political Reactions
The controversy surrounding the rendition of Vande Mataram in Parliament has triggered political reactions from different parties. Against this backdrop, Praful Patel gave his response while speaking to the media in Bhandara.
His remarks focused on respecting Vande Mataram, recognizing the broader nature of India’s freedom struggle and maintaining respect for democratic and parliamentary processes.