Government using Vande Mataram debate for Bengal polls: Priyanka Gandhi

New Delhi, Dec 8: The Lok Sabha’s discussion on the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram prompted a strong response from Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, who accused the government of raising the issue to influence the upcoming Bengal assembly elections.

NDTV reported that she said the ruling party was “evading real issues” by reviving old political debates. Priyanka Gandhi also charged Prime Minister Narendra Modi with “selectively” quoting former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru.

She suggested that the BJP compile all its criticisms of Nehru, schedule a single debate on them, and “close the chapter,” adding, “Let us use the precious time of this Parliament for the job people have elected us for.”

Questioning the need for a parliamentary debate on the national song, the Wayanad MP asserted there was no controversy to resolve.

“Vande Mataram is alive in every part of the country,” she said. She argued that the government preferred to “keep delving into the past” because it did not want to confront contemporary challenges or discuss the future.

“The government wanted debate on Vande Mataram because the Bengal polls are coming soon,” she said.