Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Monday, December 8, questioned the purpose of having a debate on Vande Mataram in the Lok Sabha, and alleged that
the government is holding these discussions to divert people's attention from important matters.
PM Modi on Monday, December 8 kicked off the discussion on India's national song Vande Mataram commemorating 150 years in 2025. About 10 hours have been allotted for these discussions in the Parliament.
"When we mention ‘Vande Mataram’, we remember the entire history of the freedom struggle – its strength and morality," the Congress MP said in the Lok Sabha, adding, "Today's debate seems strange to me. This song has become a part of the nation's soul. What is the need for this debate today? What is the purpose?"
'Two Reasons'
She further stated that the discussion is being held on this topic as West Bengal Assembly elections are approaching and Modi's government wants to divert people's attention from "essential issues concerning the public."
"There are two reasons for the debate on Vande Mataram in the House today. One, elections are coming up in West Bengal. In such a situation, our prime minister wants to establish his role," Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said.
"Second, those who fought the freedom struggle, sacrificed for the country — this government wants an opportunity to impose new accusations on them. By doing this, the government wants to divert the country's attention from the essential issues concerning the public," she added.
'The truth is...'
She said PM Modi’s policies are weakening the country, adding that he may be a good orator but his speeches lack facts.
"The truth is that Modi ji is no longer the prime minister he once was. The truth is, it's beginning to show. His self-confidence is declining. His policies are weakening the country, and my colleagues in power are silent because, deep down, they too are ashamed of this," she said.
The MP said discussions should be held on what is happening on betting apps in the Prime Minister Office, and the names of the ministers that have been revealed in the Epstein files.
She also said the number of years PM Narendra Modi has been the country's prime minister is equal to the number of years Jawaharlal Nehru spent in jail for the country. "After that, Nehru ji served as the country's prime minister for 17 years and worked for the nation."
Read more: PM Modi says Vande Mataram was a war cry against British rule, gave power to India's freedom struggle
