Mumbai, August 12: Shri Raj Nair, spokesperson for the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP), welcomed the recent initiative regarding ‘Vande Mataram.’ He emphasized that during the freedom struggle, ‘Vande Mataram’ served as an inspiring anthem for the nation, and there was no controversy surrounding it at that time. He questioned actor Prakash Raj’s claims regarding the removal of his name from the voter list, suggesting it was an attempt to stay in the limelight. Nair also supported the decision to implement a dress code at ISKCON temples, asserting that religious institutions have the right to set their own rules.
Nair stated that during the freedom struggle, people sang ‘Vande Mataram’ with great enthusiasm and actively participated in the fight for independence. He noted that no disputes arose over the anthem during that period. However, in later years, some political parties attempted to politicize ‘Vande Mataram’ due to appeasement politics. He accused the Congress, Samajwadi Party, and other so-called secular parties of trying to intimidate or confuse a particular community.
According to Nair, ‘Vande Mataram’ is intrinsically linked to the country’s freedom struggle, and creating unnecessary controversy around it is inappropriate. He expressed hope that the anthem would continue to be sung in the country. While he welcomed the initiative in the 80th year of independence, he found it unfortunate that it took so long to address. He reiterated that ‘Vande Mataram’ has been popular among the people since the early days of the freedom movement, sung by individuals from various backgrounds. He criticized attempts to give it a religious connotation due to appeasement politics, insisting that there should be no controversy surrounding ‘Vande Mataram’ and that all citizens should accept it with respect.
On the dress code at ISKCON temples, Nair remarked that ISKCON is a religious and spiritual organization with temples worldwide. He noted that many devotees visit ISKCON temples abroad, where it is customary to dress appropriately. He asserted that temples are places for worship and spiritual experiences, and wearing decent attire is appropriate when entering such premises. He affirmed that any religious organization has the right to establish its internal regulations. If ISKCON has decided to prohibit entry in revealing clothing, it falls within the organization’s jurisdiction. As a religious and spiritual entity, ISKCON has the full authority to set and enforce rules for its institutions, and Nair clearly supported the implementation of the dress code.
Responding to Prakash Raj’s claims about not finding his name on the voter list, Nair reacted sharply. He accused Raj of consistently commenting on the BJP, Hindutva, and Hindu religious traditions. Nair claimed that Raj’s behavior has been allegedly one-sided, targeting only Hindu beliefs and figures. He labeled Raj a selective activist, suggesting that his statements and actions should be viewed in this context.
Nair stated that if there is indeed a legitimate issue, the concerned individual should present their complaint to the electoral authorities. He noted that if there are discrepancies in the voter list, there are established procedures for resolution, and opportunities for hearings are available. Instead of taking the matter to the relevant authorities, making it a public controversy may be an attempt to stay in the headlines. Targeting Prakash Raj, Shri Raj Nair remarked that the actor has long been vocal about the BJP, Hindutva, and Hindu beliefs, asserting that Raj’s public stance has been one-sided.
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