Shiv Sena leader Shaina NC criticised Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra over their responses to the Lok Sabha debate marking 150 years of Vande Mataram. Speaking in Mumbai, she drew a sharp contrast between Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s participation and the Congress leadership’s approach to the discussion.
“On the one hand, you have a patriotic prime minister that debates for 10 hours in the Lok Sabha on the 150th year of our national song, Vande Mataram… On the other hand, you have Rahul Gandhi, who has chosen to absent himself from such an important debate,” Shaina NC said.
Commenting on Priyanka Gandhi Vadra’s praise of the Prime Minister’s speech followed by her criticism of “fact-less” statements, Shaina NC asked: “What facts is she talking about? The fact is that the Congress party chose to remove two stanzas from this beautiful Vande Mataram.”
Reiterating her party’s stand, she added that Vande Mataram remains a symbol of unity and national identity. “We have always espoused that every segment and section of society should sing Vande Mataram with pride because it is our national song, and it belongs to our country,” she said.
Her remarks add to the ongoing political friction surrounding the debate, which has sparked strong exchanges between government and opposition leaders over the legacy and interpretation of the national song.
