New Delhi: Union Home Minister Amit Shah, addressing the Rajya Sabha, alleged that during the Emergency imposed by former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, individuals who raised the slogan of Vande Mataram were imprisoned. He accused the Congress of suppressing the national song as part of its appeasement politics.
Shah stated that the Congress divided Vande Mataram under its policies, linking this to the partition of India. He further claimed that during the Emergency, newspapers were shut down and voices of dissent were silenced, including those who propagated the national song.
The Home Minister also pointed out that the anniversaries of Vande Mataram were not given due recognition under Congress leadership, including its 50th and 100th years. He emphasized that the current government has taken steps to honor the song and its role in India’s freedom struggle.
His remarks triggered a sharp response from opposition leaders, including Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, who accused the government of politicizing history. The debate formed part of a special discussion marking 150 years of Vande Mataram.
Through his statement, Shah reiterated the government’s position that Vande Mataram symbolizes national unity and should be celebrated without political divisions.
