During a special parliamentary debate on Vande Mataram on Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the historical and anti-colonial significance of the national song. While celebrating its role in inspiring patriotism and unity, he criticised Congress leaders for their actions in 1937, claiming Jawaharlal Nehru’s response to protests by the Muslim League weakened the song’s original spirit. Modi described Vande Mataram as a unifying force during colonial times and urged that its legacy be remembered and passed on to future generations. Below are the key points of what PM Modi spoke about during the special parliamentary debate on Vande Mataram.
PM Modi on Vande Mataram Debate
- British suppression: PM Modi explained that Vande Mataram was considered a “sacred war cry” against colonial rule. The British attempted to ban its printing and propagation while promoting “God Save the Queen”, fearing its influence on patriotic sentiment.
- Partition of Bengal and inspiration: Modi highlighted Bengal as the centre of British “divide and rule” policies, pointing out that during the 1905 Partition of Bengal, Vande Mataram became a symbol of resistance, uniting people on the streets and in public spaces.
- Freedom fighters’ role: He mentioned VD Savarkar singing Vande Mataram at London’s India House, praising countless freedom fighters who chanted it as motivation for independence.
- Criticism of Congress and Nehru: Modi said that in 1937, protests by the Muslim League led Nehru to suggest certain lines of the song could “irritate Muslims”. Instead of opposing the demand, Congress accepted the changes, which Modi described as appeasement politics that contributed to Partition.
- Bankim Chandra Chatterjee: Modi acknowledged the author, initially calling him “Bankim da” before correcting it to the respectful “Bankim babu” following an MP’s reminder.
- Historical anniversaries: He noted Vande Mataram’s 50th and 100th anniversaries, including the period of Emergency, stressing that its patriotic relevance remains undiminished.
Modi urged that the greatness of Vande Mataram be restored and remembered as a symbol of national pride and unity.
#WATCH | “… Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru wrote that ‘Vande Mataram’s background in the Anand Matth can irritate Muslims’…,” says PM Narendra Modi.
He also says, “… the Muslim League had started to strongly oppose Vande Mataram. Muhammad Ali Jinnah raised a slogan against Vande… pic.twitter.com/cozJigFWy3
— ANI (@ANI) December 8, 2025
