Modi vs Congress erupts over 'Vande Mataram': PM says party removed crucial stanzas; Kharge hits back

The Prime Minister levelled the allegations at an event marking the 150th year of the country's National Song.

Modi said, "In 1937, important verses of 'Vande Mataram', a part of its soul, were separated. 'Vande Mataram' was torn apart. This division of 'Vande Mataram' had sown the seeds of the country's partition as well."

"Why this injustice happened to this great mantra of nation-building is essential for today's generation to know. Because that same divisive thinking remains a major challenge for the country even today," he added.

The Prime Minister further said, "Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore once said that Bankimchandra's 'Anandamath' is not just a novel; it is a dream of an independent India. In 'Anandamath', the context of 'Vande Mataram', every line of it, every word and every sentiment of Bankim Babu, all had their deep implications, and they still do today.

"This song was composed in the era of slavery, but its words were never imprisoned in the shadow of slavery. They always remained free from the memories of slavery. That is why 'Vande Mataram' is relevant in every era, in every time. It has attained immortality."

The song Vande Mataram was composed by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee on November 7, 1875, published in his journal Bangadarshan and later included in his novel Anandamath. 

It became a rallying cry in India’s freedom movement and was accorded the status of national song by the Constituent Assembly. 

In 2025, India marks its 150th anniversary of the song, launching a year-long commemoration from 7 November 2025 to 7 November 2026.

The Union Cabinet has approved nationwide celebrations to mark the 150 years of Vande Mataram, targeting youth and students to connect them with the song’s legacy. 

Commenting on the celebrations, the PM said, "November 7 is a truly historic day. Today, we are celebrating the grand 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram.

"This occasion will give us new inspiration and fill millions of Indians with renewed energy. Today, a special coin and a postal stamp dedicated to Vande Mataram have also been released."

Congress hits back

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge posted on X, "... it is extremely ironic that those who today claim to be the self-appointed custodians of nationalism - RSS and BJP - have never sung Vande Mataram or our national anthem Jana Gana Mana in their branches or offices. Instead, they keep singing "Namaste Sada Vatsale," which is not a song of the nation but one that glorifies their organizations. Since its founding in 1925, the RSS has shied away from Vande Mataram despite its universal reverence. It is not mentioned even once in its texts or literature."

"It is a well-known fact that the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and the Sangh Parivar sided with the British against Indians in the national movement, did not hoist the national flag for 52 years, misused India's Constitution, burned effigies of Bapu and Babasaheb Ambedkar, and, in Sardar Patel's words, were involved in Gandhiji's assassination."