Rajya Sabha Erupts in Ideological Clash as Opposition Accuses Government of ‘Distorting History’ in Vande Mataram Debate

The Rajya Sabha debate on the 150th Anniversary of 'Vande Mataram' transformed into a fierce ideological battle on Wednesday, with the Opposition, led by the Congress, accusing the ruling party of "political manipulation of history" and deliberately maligning historical figures to score political points.

The focus of the discussion, initiated by the government on the national song's significance, shifted dramatically as Jairam Ramesh (Congress) delivered a powerful counter-attack, coining the term "distorians" to describe the Treasury Benches. Ramesh alleged that the primary motive of the entire debate was to "insult Jawaharlal Nehru" by questioning the 1937 decision to adopt only the first two stanzas of the song.

He argued that in doing so, the ruling party was also disrespecting the collective leadership of the Congress Working Committee, which included stalwarts like Mahatma Gandhi, Sardar Patel, Subhas Chandra Bose, and Rabindranath Tagore.

"The Prime Minister, Home Minister, and others... aimed to be historians but have become 'distorians'," Ramesh asserted. He stressed that the decision to limit the song was a united choice, advised by Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore himself to maintain inclusivity.

Ramesh firmly rejected the narrative of "appeasement," stating that accusing Nehru of this insults every great leader involved in that decision. He questioned the motive, suggesting the debate was a diversion from pressing issues like unemployment and price rise.

Other Opposition members echoed the sentiment of historical defense and distraction. Haris Beeran (IUML) called the focus on a settled historical issue an attempt to "distort history and distract" from immediate crises.

He pointedly mentioned the Delhi air quality crisis, arguing, "We cannot go out and sing Vande Mataram at India Gate when the AQI is 400 and 500."

Priyanka Chaturvedi (Shiv Sena-UBT) demanded that the government hold discussions on the 'Quit India' movement and the broader freedom struggle to counter "historical narratives created through unverified sources like WhatsApp." Sandosh Kumar (CPI) and Debashish Samantaray (BLD) affirmed 'Vande Mataram's' "sacred place" as an inspirational force for thousands of freedom fighters, maintaining its patriotic and unifying spirit.

The ruling side vehemently defended the necessity of the discussion, rejecting the Opposition's charges of historical manipulation and political timing.

Leaders asserted that the debate was essential to honor a key part of the freedom struggle and correct historical narratives, emphasizing that 'Vande Mataram' is an "immortal creation" that awakened national devotion.

The Opposition maintained that the 1937 decision was an act of national unity advised by Tagore, while the ruling party continued to cite the limited version as the genesis of "appeasement politics."