Odisha Assembly Backs Vande Mataram Resolution, But Opposition Walks Out During Recitation

The Odisha Assembly on Tuesday witnessed a mix of support and protest as the Opposition BJD and Congress backed a resolution for statewide celebration of the national song Vande Mataram, yet staged a walkout during its recitation.

Odia Language, Literature and Culture Minister Suryabanshi Suraj presented the resolution on the concluding day of the winter session, which both parties supported.

However, once the resolution was passed and the song began, members of the BJD and Congress walked out of the House.

Later, BJD Deputy Legislature Party Leader Prasanna Acharya and Congress Legislature Party Leader Ramachandra Kadam clarified their stance.

They reiterated their respect for Vande Mataram and the Constitution, stating that the Constituent Assembly had permitted only the first two stanzas to be recited.

As a mark of respect for this constitutional guideline, they exited after the first two stanzas were sung.

Acharya emphasized that what is not constitutionally endorsed should not be enforced officially.

Supporting the resolution during the debate, he described Vande Mataram as more than a song, a mantra that inspired the nation 150 years ago and continues to do so today. It represents India’s heritage, culture, unity, and identity, he added.

Congress leader Kadam also endorsed the celebration but criticized the BJP government for turning Vande Mataram into a political debate.

He alleged that the ruling party was attempting to divert public attention from pressing issues such as the weakening rupee, SIR concerns, and disruptions in the aviation sector following the Indigo crisis.

He further accused the BJP of using the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram to stir aggressive nationalism, particularly with the West Bengal elections approaching.

While acknowledging Vande Mataram as the "Maha Mantra of Indian Nationalism," Kadam questioned the need for raising such a debate 79 years after independence.