‘Vande Mataram Is Rashtriya Jagaran Mantra': PM Modi In Bengal Amid Parliament Row

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday described Vande Mataram as a “rashtriya jagaran mantra” (national awakening chant), linking the national song to India’s freedom movement and Bengal’s cultural

legacy. His remarks came in the wake of a political row over Vande Mataram during the Winter Session of Parliament.

Speaking at a public programme in West Bengal’s Nadia virtually, Modi said Vande Mataram originated in Bengal and played a key role in awakening national consciousness. He referred to Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, who composed the song, saying the writer had “aroused the nation” through it.

The Prime Minister also highlighted Bengal’s religious and social traditions. He described Nadia as the land of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and paid tribute to social reformer Sri Harichand Thakur and Baro Ma. Modi said these figures had shown society a path of unity and reform.

Notably, the Prime Minister also concluded his today’s speech in Bengal with “Vande Mataram”, departing from his usual closing slogan of “Bharat Mata Ki Jai”.

Referring to the Ganga river, Modi recalled his earlier remarks about its flow from Bihar to Bengal, saying it symbolised cultural and political ties between regions.

Political attack on Bengal government

Modi also criticised the West Bengal government, alleging poor governance and corruption. He claimed development projects were stalled and accused the state administration of focusing on commissions. He said people in Bengal were calling for change, using the slogan, “Bachte chai, BJP chai” (want to live, want BJP).

Vande Mataram row

The Prime Minister’s comments come against the backdrop of a heated debate in Parliament over Vande Mataram, marking 150 years of the national song. The issue triggered sharp exchanges in both Houses earlier this month.

In the Lok Sabha, Modi accused the Congress of weakening the song due to appeasement politics. In the Rajya Sabha, Home Minister Amit Shah criticised opposition walkouts during recitations of Vande Mataram, calling them disrespectful.