TRAIN NET NEWS 19 AUGUST 2026 HYDERABAD: Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Bandi Sanjay Kumar strongly reacted to the Congress party's remarks regarding the national song Vande Mataram. He stated that every Indian has the responsibility to respect Vande Mataram, which ignited the spirit of patriotism among crores of Indians during the freedom struggle. He criticized that the comments made by Congress leaders regarding Vande Mataram were hurtful to the people of the country.
Incidents that occurred during the singing of Vande Mataram at a Congress party event on the occasion of Independence Day led to a political controversy. In this backdrop, BJP leaders criticized Congress, and Congress responded in equal measure. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge countered the BJP's criticism by recalling that Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, and others had sung Vande Mataram in their party's history. However, Bandi Sanjay questioned Congress's stance on Vande Mataram. He said that Vande Mataram is not just a song, but a national anthem intrinsically linked with India's freedom struggle, providing inspiration to freedom fighters who fought for the country.
Sharp criticism on Sonia and Kharge: Bandi Sanjay expressed strong objection to the behavior of Sonia Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge during the recitation of Vande Mataram. He commented that insulting Vande Mataram is a disgrace to the country. He said that the Congress leadership needs to remind itself once again of the history of the Indian freedom struggle. However, Congress refuted these allegations. Congress sources clarified that Sonia Gandhi did not suggest stopping Vande Mataram, and she was only speaking to arrange a chair for Kharge. Consequently, the dispute escalated to the level of political allegations and counter-allegations.
Why political color to patriotism? The controversy surrounding Vande Mataram brings forth a crucial question: how reasonable is it to use issues like patriotism and national pride for political sparring between parties? Patriotism is not limited to a single party, ideology, or region; it is a sentiment present in every citizen who loves India. Respect for Vande Mataram also needs to be viewed from the same perspective. While the BJP is questioning the current leadership's behavior by recalling the past importance given to Vande Mataram in Congress history, Congress is bringing forward its freedom struggle heritage, stating that its leaders have also respected Vande Mataram.
History must be viewed beyond politics: Vande Mataram was authored by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay. During the freedom movement, this song generated immense national consciousness among the people. The slogan of Vande Mataram echoed in many movements against British rule. Therefore, opinions are being expressed that viewing the history of Vande Mataram merely through the lens of current political criticism is not proper. This song is an important chapter in India's freedom history, and respecting it means respecting the nation's history. At the same time, respecting diverse religions, beliefs, and traditions in the country is also a constitutional responsibility.
Discussion is also ongoing regarding personal beliefs and constitutional rights in expressing respect for Vande Mataram. Congress MP Imran Masood recently stated that while he would stand in respect for Vande Mataram, he would not sing it due to his religious beliefs.
Political significance of Bandi Sanjay's remarks: Central Minister Bandi Sanjay's remarks are likely to spark discussion at the national level, not just in Telangana politics. A war of words is already ongoing between the BJP and Congress over the Vande Mataram issue. Congress responded to BJP's criticism by singing two stanzas of Vande Mataram at an event in Goa. On the other hand, Congress President Kharge also launched a counterattack questioning the role played by the BJP and RSS in the freedom struggle. Thus, the Vande Mataram controversy is gradually shifting from a historical issue to a battle between political ideologies.
Country first, politics later: More than which party won or lost in the issue of Vande Mataram, national honor, freedom struggle history, and constitutional values are more important. Political parties may voice their arguments, but care must be taken not to use national symbols, the sacrifices of freedom fighters, and the emotions of the people for political gains and losses.
This is the core theme visible in Bandi Sanjay's counter—he is urging Congress to remember its historical responsibility regarding Vande Mataram, while Congress is defending its freedom struggle legacy. Ultimately, to whom does Vande Mataram belong? The answer is singular: it belongs to India, not to any single political party or faction. Respecting Vande Mataram as a symbol of the spirit of the great souls who sacrificed their lives for the country is the duty of every Indian. Political differences may exist, and ideological differences may exist, but standing united as Indians on matters of patriotism is the true honor of the nation.
