Lucknow, August 21: Amid the ongoing political debate surrounding the singing of Vande Mataram, Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) leader Mayawati has stated that politicizing this issue is inappropriate. She urged both the central and state governments, along with all political parties, to concentrate on pressing public concerns such as unemployment among youth, the plight of students, and the damages caused by flooding.
In a post on the social media platform ‘X’ on Friday, Mayawati expressed that the current political discourse regarding whether to sing the entire Vande Mataram or just the first two stanzas is not constructive. She emphasized that the recent law passed in Parliament regarding Vande Mataram is not unprecedented.
Mayawati pointed out that during changes in power at both the central and state levels, political parties often shift focus to their own interests or divert public attention from their shortcomings by altering existing laws. She stressed that the current focus should be on critical issues affecting the nation, particularly the unemployed youth and students, as well as the significant loss of life and property due to severe flooding in various parts of the country. Addressing these urgent matters is the most pressing demand for the nation and its citizens at this time.
The controversy over Vande Mataram began between the BJP and Congress on August 15. The BJP accused Congress of attempting to halt the singing of the anthem during their Independence Day celebration, claiming that Sonia Gandhi intervened and that Rahul Gandhi appeared uncomfortable. Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh dismissed these allegations, asserting that the entire Vande Mataram was indeed sung. He clarified that Sonia Gandhi’s gesture was not to stop the song but to request a chair for Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, who had been standing for a long time.
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Written by Vickety/VKU
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