Fri Nov 07 10:09:44 UTC 2025: News Article: Congress Accuses BJP of Politicizing ‘Vande Mataram’ Anniversary
Mumbai, November 7, 2025 – The Maharashtra Congress party has strongly criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for allegedly misusing the 150th anniversary of the national song ‘Vande Mataram’ to incite political polarization and engage in what they call “hypocritical nationalism.”
In a press conference today, Congress spokesperson Sachin Sawant accused the BJP of falsely claiming that Congress legislators opposed the singing of ‘Vande Mataram.’ He specifically refuted allegations against MLAs Aslam Shaikh and Amin Patel, stating that both have clearly expressed no objection to the song. Sawant added, “If BJP leaders wish to sing Vande Mataram, they are welcome to come inside our offices and sing, not outside to create a spectacle.”
The Congress claims the BJP is deliberately targeting Muslim legislators in an attempt to stoke religious divisions, accusing the party of “communalizing an issue linked to national pride.”
Sawant further emphasized the historical significance of ‘Vande Mataram’ to the Congress, stating, “Our freedom fighters courageously sang it against British rule when the RSS had no presence in the freedom movement.” He contrasted this with the BJP’s perceived use of the song as merely an “electoral slogan.”
Congress MLA Amin Patel echoed these sentiments, stating that the BJP only remembers ‘Vande Mataram’ when elections are approaching. He said he would welcome BJP workers to sing the song outside his office and offer them refreshments.
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