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- Parliament Winter Session 2025 Live Updates: 'Indira won Raebareli by vote chori,' BJP hits out at Cong; takes on Rahul's allegations
THE TIMES OF INDIA | Dec 09, 2025, 19:50:25 IST
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Parliament Winter Session 2025 Live Updates: 'Indira won Raebareli by vote chori,' BJP hits out at Cong; takes on Rahul's allegations
Parliament Winter Session 2025 Live Updates: The Lok Sabha is holding a detailed debate on election reforms, including the Election Commission of India’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Meanwhile, the Rajya Sabha is currently holding a debate to commemorate 150 years of the national song Vande Mataram.
Opposition parties, particularly the Congress, have long demanded scrutiny of the exercise, alleging serious irregularities in voter lists. Congress MP and Leader of the Opposition is expected to lead the discussion, having repeatedly claimed that SIR is being used “to delete genuine voters”.
Monday’s special discussion on 150 years of Vande Mataram quickly shifted towards the political climate in West Bengal, with NDA MPs chanting, “Bihar ki jeet hamari hai, ab Bengal ki baari hai,” as Prime Minister Narendra Modi entered the House. During the debate, the Prime Minister said, “When they divided Bengal in 1905, Vande Mataram stood like a rock,” adding that the song became “a slogan of the Swadeshi movement”. He accused the Congress of compromising on the national song, claiming they “partitioned” it in 1937.
The remarks prompted strong pushback. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said, “There are two reasons for the debate… Elections are approaching in Bengal,” arguing the government wanted to distract from key public issues. TMC leaders also criticised the PM’s references to Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, while West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee questioned the BJP’s stance on iconic freedom fighters.
The Winter Session of Parliament will began on December 1, with the opening of the 6th Session of the 18th Lok Sabha and the 269th Session of the Rajya Sabha. The session is scheduled to run until December 19.
Opposition parties, particularly the Congress, have long demanded scrutiny of the exercise, alleging serious irregularities in voter lists. Congress MP and Leader of the Opposition is expected to lead the discussion, having repeatedly claimed that SIR is being used “to delete genuine voters”.
Monday’s special discussion on 150 years of Vande Mataram quickly shifted towards the political climate in West Bengal, with NDA MPs chanting, “Bihar ki jeet hamari hai, ab Bengal ki baari hai,” as Prime Minister Narendra Modi entered the House. During the debate, the Prime Minister said, “When they divided Bengal in 1905, Vande Mataram stood like a rock,” adding that the song became “a slogan of the Swadeshi movement”. He accused the Congress of compromising on the national song, claiming they “partitioned” it in 1937.
The remarks prompted strong pushback. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said, “There are two reasons for the debate… Elections are approaching in Bengal,” arguing the government wanted to distract from key public issues. TMC leaders also criticised the PM’s references to Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, while West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee questioned the BJP’s stance on iconic freedom fighters.
The Winter Session of Parliament will began on December 1, with the opening of the 6th Session of the 18th Lok Sabha and the 269th Session of the Rajya Sabha. The session is scheduled to run until December 19.
08:40 (IST) Dec 09
Rahul Gandhi to initiate debate on election reforms in LS
Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi will open the Lok Sabha debate on election reforms on Tuesday. The opposition has long sought a discussion on the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls, but the government instead proposed a broader debate, noting the Election Commission’s independence. The BJP is expected to field senior MPs Nishikant Dubey, P. P. Chaudhary, Abhijit Gangopadhyay and Sanjay Jaiswal. Alongside Gandhi, Congress speakers will include K. C. Venugopal, Manish Tewari, Varsha Gaikwad and several other MPs.
08:37 (IST) Dec 09
'LK Advani applauded Jinnah ... ': Jairam Ramesh hits back at PM Modi for criticising Nehru over Vande Mataram
Congress MP Jairam Ramesh on Monday strongly criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his remarks about Jawaharlal Nehru during the Lok Sabha debate on the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram, calling the PM the “master of distortion”. In a post on X, Ramesh countered accusations of appeasement by citing examples from the BJP’s own history, including Syama Prasad Mookerjee’s brief coalition with A.K. Fazlul Haq in Bengal before Independence, and L.K. Advani’s 2005 praise of Mohammad Ali Jinnah during a visit to Karachi.
Ramesh’s comments followed PM Modi’s attack on Rahul Gandhi for missing the discussion, accusing the Congress of disrespecting the national song and “surrendering before the Muslim League”. Modi alleged that both Nehru and Rahul Gandhi had shown disregard for Vande Mataram. The Winter Session, which began on 1 December, is scheduled to run until 19 December, with the Rajya Sabha set to debate the issue on Tuesday.
Ramesh’s comments followed PM Modi’s attack on Rahul Gandhi for missing the discussion, accusing the Congress of disrespecting the national song and “surrendering before the Muslim League”. Modi alleged that both Nehru and Rahul Gandhi had shown disregard for Vande Mataram. The Winter Session, which began on 1 December, is scheduled to run until 19 December, with the Rajya Sabha set to debate the issue on Tuesday.
08:35 (IST) Dec 09
SP MP Dimple Yadav flags unemployment, economic concerns amid Parliament debate on Vande Mataram
During a Lok Sabha debate marking 150 years of Vande Mataram, sharp political disagreements emerged. Samajwadi Party MP Dimple Yadav urged the government to prioritise urgent national issues rather than use the iconic song to deepen political divides. Speaking outside Parliament, she argued that today’s challenges—rising unemployment, a weakening currency, and growing monopolies—demand attention. If the government truly honours Vande Mataram, she said, it should work for people across all sections of society.
Yadav reminded reporters that the Constituent Assembly had embraced the song as an expression of India’s shared identity, insisting it must not become a tool for polarisation. Inside the House, SP chief Akhilesh Yadav accused the BJP of trying to appropriate national symbols, emphasising that Vande Mataram belongs to the people and the freedom movement. Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the song as a guiding “mantra” of the independence struggle, whose legacy the government hopes to strengthen for future generations.
Yadav reminded reporters that the Constituent Assembly had embraced the song as an expression of India’s shared identity, insisting it must not become a tool for polarisation. Inside the House, SP chief Akhilesh Yadav accused the BJP of trying to appropriate national symbols, emphasising that Vande Mataram belongs to the people and the freedom movement. Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the song as a guiding “mantra” of the independence struggle, whose legacy the government hopes to strengthen for future generations.
17:00 (IST) Dec 08
'Grave injustice done to Vande Matram, given communal colour': Rajnath Singh in Lok Sabha
16:52 (IST) Dec 08
"The truth is that Modi 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. Today, the people of the country are unhappy, distressed, and surrounded by problems, and you are not solving them...": Priyanka Gandhi in Lok Sabha
16:50 (IST) Dec 08
Defence minister Rajanth Singh addresses the special discussion in Lok Sabha on the 150th anniversary of the national song 'Vande Mataram'.
16:45 (IST) Dec 08
“Our Prime Minister Modi is no longer the same Prime Minister he once was because his confidence has started to wane. His policies are weakening the country, so what else can he do but talk about the past?”: Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra
16:44 (IST) Dec 08
“We are having a debate on Vande Mataram as West Bengal polls are coming. They want to divert attention from the real issues of public.”: Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra
16:33 (IST) Dec 08
'PM Modi not the PM he used to be, his self-confidence is decreasing': Priyanka Gandhi in Lok Sabha
16:25 (IST) Dec 08
Priyanka Gandhi speaks in Lok Sabha on the 150th anniversary of 'Vande Mataram'
16:20 (IST) Dec 08
Priyanka Gandhi on Vande Mataram debate: ‘A distraction ahead of Bengal polls’
Priyanka Gandhi said the Lok Sabha debate on ‘Vande Mataram’ was triggered for two reasons. “First, elections are approaching in Bengal and the Prime Minister wants to create his role there. Second, this government wants an opportunity to level new accusations against those who fought for freedom and made sacrifices for the country,” she stated. She added that the PM Modi government is using the issue to divert public attention from matters that truly affect people.
16:15 (IST) Dec 08
'What's the need' - Priyanka Gandhi questions debate on Vande Matram in Lok Sabha
16:15 (IST) Dec 08
'For Bengal elections': Priyanka Gandhi questions need for Vande Matram debate in Lok Sabha
14:55 (IST) Dec 08
Vande Mataram Debate: 'Historical document that will inspire future generations,' says BJP MP Anurag Thakur on Vande Mataram speech
"PM Modi's today's speech in the Lok Sabha has become a historical document that will inspire future generations. Vande Mataram is an energy, but for some people, it is an allergy...In July 2018, Rahul Gandhi had said that recite only one line from Vande Mataram, Nehru ji limited Vande Mataram to two stanzas, and today both brother and sister went missing from the Lok Sabha," he said.
14:49 (IST) Dec 08
"Nehru is being accused of appeasement. But will the PM--the Master Distorian-- answer," said Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh.
- Which Indian leader formed a coalition in Bengal in the early 1940s with the person who moved the Pakistan resolution in Lahore in March 1940? It was Syama Prasad Mookerjee.
- Which Indian leader applauded Jinnah in Karachi in June 2005? It was LK Advani.
- Which Indian leader praised Jinnah in his book 2009? It was Jaswant Singh.
14:42 (IST) Dec 08
Vande Mataram Debate: 'We are still protecting that very Constitution today,' says Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi
"The BJP has never even tried to understand the nation, because in our nation, the patriotism of all its states is woven together. Only then have we become a strong nation. In our nation, there are many languages, many states, but only one national scripture—and that is the Constitution. We are still protecting that very Constitution today," he said.
14:22 (IST) Dec 08
Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi explains how Vande Mataram’ become a slogan
"How Did ‘Vande Mataram’ become a slogan? In truth, it was originally a song, mentioned in Anandamath, but in 1905 it emerged as a political slogan. In 1905, Viceroy Curzon divided Bengal into two parts. Curzon thought that by doing so he would deal a deep blow to Bengal and the entire country, but that was precisely his mistake. That was the moment when the independence struggle gained profound strength through the Swadeshi Movement. It carried the message that India must rebel with a new vision. In the times that followed, ‘Vande Mataram’ spread widely across the whole country," he said.
"Its spread throughout the country was aided by several important means. Through pamphlets and publications, this slogan that originated in Bengal reached Punjab, Maharashtra, and Madras. Through translations, the interpretation and original spirit of ‘Vande Mataram’ and Anandamath reached the entire country. Gradually, the slogan of ‘Vande Mataram’ was no longer confined to freedom fighters; it reached students as well," he added.
"Its spread throughout the country was aided by several important means. Through pamphlets and publications, this slogan that originated in Bengal reached Punjab, Maharashtra, and Madras. Through translations, the interpretation and original spirit of ‘Vande Mataram’ and Anandamath reached the entire country. Gradually, the slogan of ‘Vande Mataram’ was no longer confined to freedom fighters; it reached students as well," he added.
14:05 (IST) Dec 08
Vande Mataram Debate: 'No matter how hard you try - you won't be able to put even a single black mark on Pandit Nehru Ji's contributions,' says Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi
"Prime Minister Narendra Modi mentions Pandit Nehru Ji and the Congress party how many times when speaking on any topic. Operation Sindoor - Pandit Nehru Ji's name 14 times and Congress's name 50 times. 75th Anniversary of the Constitution - Pandit Nehru Ji's name 10 times and Congress's name 26 times. 2022 President's Address - Pandit Nehru Ji's name 15 times. 2020 President's Address - Pandit Nehru Ji's name 20 time. With great humility, I wish to say to Narendra Modi Ji and his entire system. No matter how hard you try - you won't be able to put even a single black mark on Pandit Nehru Ji's contributions," he said.
13:51 (IST) Dec 08
Vande Mataram Debate: 'Nehru wrote that 'Vande Mataram's background in the Anand Matth can irritate Muslims,' claims PM Modi
"Jawaharlal Nehru wrote that 'Vande Mataram's background in the Anand Matth can irritate Muslims'...," said PM Narendra Modi.
"The Muslim League had started to strongly oppose Vande Mataram. Muhammad Ali Jinnah raised a slogan against Vande Mataram on 15 October 1937 from Lucknow... Despite giving a strong and befitting reply to the Muslim League's baseless statements, Nehru started investigating Vande Mataram. Five days after this, Nehru wrote a letter to Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose mentioning that he agrees with the feeling of Mohammad Ali Jinnah and wrote, 'Vande Mataram's background in the Anand Matth can irritate Muslims'... After this, Congress stated that, from 26 October onwards, in Bengal, the use of Vande Mataram will be analysed... Unfortunately, on 26 October, Congress compromised on Vande Mataram. They bifurcated the song. The reason behind the decision was of social harmony, but history has it that Congress had knelt before the muslim league. This was their way to appease minorities... Later, Congress had to kneel and agree to the partition of India... Congress policies are still the same, and along the way, the Indian National Congress has become the Muslim League Congress (MLC). Even today, Congress and its allied parties oppose Vande Mataram and try to create controversy around it," he added.
"The Muslim League had started to strongly oppose Vande Mataram. Muhammad Ali Jinnah raised a slogan against Vande Mataram on 15 October 1937 from Lucknow... Despite giving a strong and befitting reply to the Muslim League's baseless statements, Nehru started investigating Vande Mataram. Five days after this, Nehru wrote a letter to Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose mentioning that he agrees with the feeling of Mohammad Ali Jinnah and wrote, 'Vande Mataram's background in the Anand Matth can irritate Muslims'... After this, Congress stated that, from 26 October onwards, in Bengal, the use of Vande Mataram will be analysed... Unfortunately, on 26 October, Congress compromised on Vande Mataram. They bifurcated the song. The reason behind the decision was of social harmony, but history has it that Congress had knelt before the muslim league. This was their way to appease minorities... Later, Congress had to kneel and agree to the partition of India... Congress policies are still the same, and along the way, the Indian National Congress has become the Muslim League Congress (MLC). Even today, Congress and its allied parties oppose Vande Mataram and try to create controversy around it," he added.
13:39 (IST) Dec 08
'Both the Houses will be inspired and energised by the debates held in both the Houses': PM Modi on Vande Mataram debate
"Some great people of India dreamed of a free India, and today’s generation dreams of a prosperous India. The inspiration for both is Vande Mataram. We have to make India Aatmanirbhar and Viksit by 2047. Vande Mataram will keep inspiring us, and we must take it forward together. I believe that both the Houses will be inspired and energised by the debates held in both the Houses," he said.
13:24 (IST) Dec 08
Vande Mataram Debate: 'This song was to revive our history and legacy of a thousand years,' says PM Modi in Lok Sabha
"Vande mataram became the voice of our freedom movement. It integrated everyone in the country and became the resolve of every Indian... 'Swaarth ka balidaan hai ye shabd Vande Mataram'... 'Veer ka abhimaan hai ye shabd Vande Mataram'... During the British era, it became a fashion to show India as weak, useless, lazy, and demeaned in all possible ways. The same language was spoken by people in our country as well. Bankim da composed the song to shake the conscience of the country and bring an awakening... This song was to revive our history and legacy of a thousand years," he said.
13:12 (IST) Dec 08
'When Britishers divided Bengal in 1905, Vande Mataram stood like a rock,' says PM Modi
"This is when the British started to divide and rule. They used Bengal as their laboratory. Even they knew that Bengal's intellectual capability gave direction, strength, and inspiration to the country. They knew Bengal's capabilities were the focal point of the country. This is why they divided Bengal. They believed that if Bengal was divided, the country would be divided too... When they divided Bengal in 1905, Vande Mataram stood like a rock," he said.
13:03 (IST) Dec 08
'Nehru succumbed to pressure,' PM slams Congress in Lok Sabha; asks why was injustice done to Vande Mataram?
"Vande Mataram was so great, then why did injustice happen to it in the last century? Why was there betrayal with Vande Mataram? Which were those powers whose wishes overshadowed the emotions of Mahatma Gandhi?" he said.
12:58 (IST) Dec 08
Parliament Winter Session 2025: 'Veer Savarkar used to sing Vande Mataram time and again,' says PM Modi in Lok Sabha
"In the same era, Vande Mataram’s recording reached different parts of the world. At London’s India House, which became a hub for freedom fighters, Veer Savarkar used to sing Vande Mataram time and again," he said.
12:50 (IST) Dec 08
Vande Mataram Debate: 'Vande Mataram not just a mantra for political independence but beyond that,' says PM Modi
"Vande Mataram was not just a mantra for political independence. It was not limited to our independence; it was way beyond that. The freedom movement was a war to free our motherland from the clutches of slavery... During our Vedas, it was said, This land is my mother, and I am the son of the soil. This same idea was conveyed by Shri Ram when he gave up Lanka, 'जननी जन्मभूमिश्च स्वर्गत अपि गरियासि'. Vande Mataram is a modern avatar of our great cultural legacy," he said.
12:47 (IST) Dec 08
'No leadership and opposition here, we are here to appreciate and accept the debt of Vande Mataram collectively': PM Modi in Lok Sabha
"There is no leadership and opposition here. We are here to appreciate and accept the debt of Vande Mataram collectively. It is because of this song that we are all here together. It is a sacred occasion for all of us to acknowledge the debt of Vande Mataram... It united the nation from North to South and from East to West. The time has come to unite again and move together with everyone. This song should inspire and energise us to fulfil the dreams of our freedom fighters. We need to reiterate the resolve to make our nation self-reliant and developed by 2047," he said.
12:42 (IST) Dec 08
Vande Mataram Debate: PM Modi reads out 'missing' stanzas
12:34 (IST) Dec 08
'Sitting here because lakhs fought for Independence': PM reads 'missing stanzas' from Vande Mataram
"When Vande Mataram completed 50 years, India was under British rule. When Vande Mataram completed 100 years, India was in the clutches of Emergency... At that time, the patriots were imprisoned. When the song that inspired our freedom movement, unfortunately, India was witnessing a black period.... 150 years of Vande Mataram is an opportunity to reinstate that pride and that great part of our past... This song inspired us to attain freedom in 1947," he said.
12:25 (IST) Dec 08
Vande Mataram Debate: 'Inspiration during freedom struggle,' says PM Modi in Lok Sabha
"Vande Mataram is a mantra, a slogan which gave energy, inspiration, and showed the path for sacrifice and penance to the freedom movement. It is a matter of pride that we are becoming witnesses to 150 years of Vande Mataram. It is a historic moment. It is a period when many historical events are being celebrated as milestones... We recently celebrated 75 years of our Constitution. The country is celebrating the 150th birth anniversaries of Sardar Patel and Birsa Munda. We are also celebrating the 350th martyrdom day of Guru Teg Bahadur ji. Now we are celebrating 150 years of Vande Mataram," he said.
12:23 (IST) Dec 08
Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a special discussion in the Lok Sabha on Vande Mataram as the song completes 150 years. Composed by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee and formally declared India’s National Song in 1950, Vande Mataram will be taken up for a total of 10 hours of debate in each House during this week’s winter session.
12:15 (IST) Dec 08
PM Modi leads debate on Vande Mataram in Lok Sabha; stage set for fierce debate
"When Vande Mataram completed 50 years, country was under colonial rule and at its 100th anniversary the nation was under Emergency," he said.
12:12 (IST) Dec 08
'It is a song. What did he want to discuss on this?' CPM leader and MP Amra Ram on Vande Mataram debate
"The prime minister has nothing to do with the public. He works like this... It is a song. What did he want to discuss on this? Does it make any difference?... What message do they want to give by discussing it? There must be some motive behind the discussion. They did not want to discuss the public interest issues," he said.
12:02 (IST) Dec 08
says Samajwadi Party MP Akhilesh Yadav on Vande Mataram debate
"Mahakumbh was the biggest congregation, and people had to buy expensive tickets to come to the Mahakumbh. After the Pahalgam terror attack, flight tickets from Srinagar became expensive. Now we are seeing that IndiGo has brought the government to its knees. What is the reason? On one hand, the governmet claimed that even a person wearing 'hawai chappal' can travel in an aeroplane, but with these ticket costs, those wearing shoes are also unable to afford it... I have heard that the Board of Directors has all BJP members," he said.
11:45 (IST) Dec 08
Vande Mataram Discussion: 'Congress removed the entire portion mentioning Goddess Durga from song, it has always been anti-women,' BJP MP Kangana Ranaut
"It is a matter of pride for the country that the song which rose as a spark of the freedom struggle and reduced the entire British empire to ashes is now receiving its due credit. The Congress government had removed the entire portion mentioning Goddess Durga from the song... Congress party has always been anti-women," she said.
11:37 (IST) Dec 08
Vande Mataram Anniversary: 'There should be a positive discussion on this,' says Azad Samaj Party (Kanshiram) president and MP Chandrashekhar Azad
"There are many things that should be discussed, and I am also demanding discussion on many things. This is our national song, and when we sing it, we feel proud... We are people who honour revolutionaries. This is a moment of pride, and there should be a positive discussion on this," he said.
11:22 (IST) Dec 08
Vande Mataram Debate: RSS never sang Vande Mataram till we got freedom, says Congress MP Manickam Tagore
"RSS was not part of any kind of fight against the British, but their part... This is why they never sang Vande Mataram till we got freedom. The followers of RSS must first say what they have to speak on freedom struggle... Now the PM will try to speak on all kinds of fake narratives... Vande Mataram was a song that was included as a part of the struggle in a meeting of Rabindranath Tagore, Mahatma Gandhi, JL Nehru and Subhash Chandra Bose. Thus the RSS and BJP don't have the right to speak on Vande Mataram other than dividing the nation," he said.
11:14 (IST) Dec 08
Vande Mataram Anniversary: This song is as important today as it was during the days of freedom struggle, says BJP MP Manan Kumar Mishra
"This is a very good thing... The song that brought us freedom, the song that gave everyone strength during our independence, will be discussed today... This song is as important today as it was during the days of freedom struggle," he said.
"On Babri Masjid Row, he says, "This is all a conspiracy by Mamata Banerjee... She wants unrest to continue across the country, especially in West Bengal... She wants to take advantage of this in the elections... But this will not benefit her. This will unite Bengal and support the NDA," he added.
"On Babri Masjid Row, he says, "This is all a conspiracy by Mamata Banerjee... She wants unrest to continue across the country, especially in West Bengal... She wants to take advantage of this in the elections... But this will not benefit her. This will unite Bengal and support the NDA," he added.
11:04 (IST) Dec 08
Vande Mataram Debate: PM Modi to speak at noon.
Defence minister Rajnath Singh will speak at 5pm today.
10:40 (IST) Dec 08
Parliament Winter Session 2025: Vande Mataram played a very significant role in binding the freedom struggles, says Union minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat
"Today, there will be a 10-hour discussion in the Lok Sabha on Vande Mataram... In such a vast country, Vande Mataram played a very significant role in binding the freedom struggles taking place in different ways at different places into the thread of unity... Today, there will be a debate on this in Parliament, and I believe that today will be an unforgettable day in India's democratic history," he said.
10:19 (IST) Dec 08
Vande Mataram Discussion: 'There must also be a debate about those who wrote letters opposing the Quit India Movement,' says SP MP Rajeev Rai
"There must also be a debate about those who wrote letters opposing the Quit India Movement and seeking to crush it. Those who sat in the government with the Muslim League and were acting as sycophants of the British when our warriors were fighting for the country's independence, they too should be discussed. There should also be a discussion about those who apologised... Today, those in power are crushing the nation's public sentiment," he said.
09:59 (IST) Dec 08
Vande Mataram Discussion: BJP MP Sudha Murthy to participate in the debate
"I am participating in that, and I am very happy about it. It's not just a song; it creates patriotism among people. It was composed 150 years ago, before independence, so this song united everybody," she said.
09:55 (IST) Dec 08
Vande Mataram Discussion: 'Not just a song, but a clarion call which united crores of Indians in their struggle against the British Raj,' BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla
"The entire nation will witness a historic moment in both Houses where glorious tribute will be paid to Vande Mataram... It is not just a song, but a clarion call which united crores of Indians in their struggle against the British Raj, slavery, invaders... But on the other hand, the country will like to see when Rahul Gandhi, if participating in the discussion, would begin by apologizing to the country for the crime done by his family towards this song... Nehru ji was against this song," he said.
"Prioritizing appeasement and vote bank, he started a campaign against it saying it has a communal tinge... And Congress continues this kind of politics and appeasement where they target national identity for vote bank... They first divided Vande Mataram in the CWC meeting, then divided the nation and now divide the country based on caste lines... So today Rahul Gandhi and Congress should apologize for the great crime they did against Vande Mataram," he added.
"Prioritizing appeasement and vote bank, he started a campaign against it saying it has a communal tinge... And Congress continues this kind of politics and appeasement where they target national identity for vote bank... They first divided Vande Mataram in the CWC meeting, then divided the nation and now divide the country based on caste lines... So today Rahul Gandhi and Congress should apologize for the great crime they did against Vande Mataram," he added.
09:37 (IST) Dec 08
'Is the nationalism in Vande Mataram today inclusive or alienating?' RJD MP Manoj Jha on national song debate
"Whether we celebrate 50 years of Independence, 50 years of becoming a republic, or the anniversary of any song associated with our freedom movement, when such things are remembered, today should also be evaluated... Is the nationalism in Vande Mataram today inclusive or alienating? We should also see how successful we have been in thinking about the challenges we face," he said.
09:32 (IST) Dec 08
Parliament Winter Session: AAP's Sanjay Singh seeks discussion in Rajya Sabha on Delhi's health emergency, rising crime and demolitions
AAP MP Sanjay Singh submitted a motion in the Rajya Sabha under Rule 267, calling for suspension of the scheduled agenda to hold an immediate discussion. He pressed for a debate on what he termed a “public health emergency” in Delhi, the surge in crime, and the humanitarian issues arising from bulldozer-led demolitions.
The 6th Session of the 18th Lok Sabha and the 269th Session of the Rajya Sabha began on December 1, marking the start of Parliament’s Winter Session, which will run until December 19.
The 6th Session of the 18th Lok Sabha and the 269th Session of the Rajya Sabha began on December 1, marking the start of Parliament’s Winter Session, which will run until December 19.
09:15 (IST) Dec 08
Vande Mataram Debate: 'Try to use everything in order to promote their agenda,' D Raja critises BJP-RSS
"What was the role played by the RSS? Did they participate in the freedom movement of the country? Did they work for the independence of the country? No," he said, asserting that the organisation rose to political prominence only decades after independence," he said.
"This is what some political analysts are saying, elected autocracy, and they want to impose a monolithic, illiberal, and communal agenda on the people of our country, and they also try to use Vande Mataram to establish their presence and rewrite the history and redefine the Indian nation roots," he added.
"This is what some political analysts are saying, elected autocracy, and they want to impose a monolithic, illiberal, and communal agenda on the people of our country, and they also try to use Vande Mataram to establish their presence and rewrite the history and redefine the Indian nation roots," he added.
09:10 (IST) Dec 08
The anniversary comes at a moment when political arguments around the song’s origins, religious symbolism, and its interpretation by India’s pre-independence leaders have resurfaced. What began as a patriotic hymn in a Bengali novel has once again become a touchpoint in ideological debates, contested histories, and conversations about national identity.
The forthcoming debate is a key element of Parliament’s special emphasis on the legacy of Vande Mataram. However, political tensions sharpened last month during the 150th-year commemoration of the song, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi alleged that the Congress had “omitted significant stanzas” from the original composition at its 1937 Faizabad session — a move he said “sowed the seeds of partition.”
The forthcoming debate is a key element of Parliament’s special emphasis on the legacy of Vande Mataram. However, political tensions sharpened last month during the 150th-year commemoration of the song, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi alleged that the Congress had “omitted significant stanzas” from the original composition at its 1937 Faizabad session — a move he said “sowed the seeds of partition.”
08:59 (IST) Dec 08
Vande Mataram Anniversary: 'Country is eager and excited to hear him,' says BJP MP Sudhanshu Trivedi on PM Modi's address
"On the completion of 150 years of Vande Mataram, Parliament will be discussing this topic, and we will also be able to hear the Prime Minister's address. The country is eager and excited to hear him... Today, in the first quarter of the 21st century, the youth of the country will undoubtedly receive the same energy and inspiration as during the freedom struggle. Back then, the fight was for independence and political freedom. Now, the fight is for social and cultural freedom. Therefore, I expect that, leaving behind the mistakes of past, rising above partisanship, regardless of fundamentalist ideas or votes, all parties will collectively express their views in this celebration of the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram, and further strengthen the spirit of national development and national unity," he said.
08:57 (IST) Dec 08
Vande Mataram Discussion: 'Want to thank BJP govt and PM for highlighting lost heroes marginalised by Nehru-Gandhi politics,' says Sambit Patra
"I want to thank the BJP government and Prime Minister for highlighting lost heroes marginalised by Nehru-Gandhi politics and establishing their authenticity... The 'Sardar@150' program marked Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's 150th birth anniversary, with the Unity March across India and debates on his contributions. His name was suppressed for years... Similarly, Our national song, Vande Mataram, written by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay on November 7, 1875, marked 150 years," he said.
"Today, nationwide celebrations commemorate its significance, history, and reconnect us with our foundational sacrifices... Let us strive to relive those times when our ancestors shed blood for this country, chanting Vande Mataram. I know Sonia Gandhi might criticise this, but the truth is the truth... Three points are noteworthy about Nehru from Sachiv Bhattacharya's book: First, he read the English version of Anand Math six days before the CWC meeting, even though it was translated into Indian languages at the time... If someone needs a dictionary to understand this much (Vande Mataram), then he isn't a legacy-maker. Most importantly, he said that Vande Mataram is going to irritate the Muslims. This was Nehru's false sense of secularism. Tomorrow, when there will be a discussion in Parliament on Vande Mataram, I feel that the legacy of Nehru will again be a subject of debate, discussion and might be exposed," he added.
"Today, nationwide celebrations commemorate its significance, history, and reconnect us with our foundational sacrifices... Let us strive to relive those times when our ancestors shed blood for this country, chanting Vande Mataram. I know Sonia Gandhi might criticise this, but the truth is the truth... Three points are noteworthy about Nehru from Sachiv Bhattacharya's book: First, he read the English version of Anand Math six days before the CWC meeting, even though it was translated into Indian languages at the time... If someone needs a dictionary to understand this much (Vande Mataram), then he isn't a legacy-maker. Most importantly, he said that Vande Mataram is going to irritate the Muslims. This was Nehru's false sense of secularism. Tomorrow, when there will be a discussion in Parliament on Vande Mataram, I feel that the legacy of Nehru will again be a subject of debate, discussion and might be exposed," he added.
08:55 (IST) Dec 08
Parliament Winter Session: Congress MP seeks suspension of Lok Sabha business over alleged harassment case
Congress MP Saptagiri Ulaka issued a notice seeking suspension of the Lok Sabha’s scheduled business to discuss an alleged case of sexual harassment, blackmail and intimidation of a first-year BEd student from the Scheduled Caste community in Odisha.
The incident reportedly took place at the National Sanskrit University in Tirupati, a Central University functioning under the ministry of education. Ulaka urged the House to take up the matter immediately, calling the case “shocking” and demanding urgent debate and action.
The incident reportedly took place at the National Sanskrit University in Tirupati, a Central University functioning under the ministry of education. Ulaka urged the House to take up the matter immediately, calling the case “shocking” and demanding urgent debate and action.
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Amid an already heated Winter Session, the Lok Sabha is holding a debate on election reforms. The discussion comes at a time of mounting political tension, fuelled further by Monday’s charged exchanges over Vande Mataram and the upcoming West Bengal assembly elections.
Congress MP and Leader of the Opposition is expected to lead the discussion, having repeatedly claimed that SIR is being used “to delete genuine voters”.
Monday’s special discussion on 150 years of Vande Mataram quickly shifted towards the political climate in West Bengal, with NDA MPs chanting, “Bihar ki jeet hamari hai, ab Bengal ki baari hai,” as Prime Minister Narendra Modi entered the House. During the debate, the Prime Minister said, “When they divided Bengal in 1905, Vande Mataram stood like a rock,” adding that the song became “a slogan of the Swadeshi movement”. He accused the Congress of compromising on the national song, claiming they “partitioned” it in 1937.
The remarks prompted strong pushback. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said, “There are two reasons for the debate… Elections are approaching in Bengal,” arguing the government wanted to distract from key public issues. TMC leaders also criticised the PM’s references to Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, while West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee questioned the BJP’s stance on iconic freedom fighters.
Congress MP and Leader of the Opposition is expected to lead the discussion, having repeatedly claimed that SIR is being used “to delete genuine voters”.
Monday’s special discussion on 150 years of Vande Mataram quickly shifted towards the political climate in West Bengal, with NDA MPs chanting, “Bihar ki jeet hamari hai, ab Bengal ki baari hai,” as Prime Minister Narendra Modi entered the House. During the debate, the Prime Minister said, “When they divided Bengal in 1905, Vande Mataram stood like a rock,” adding that the song became “a slogan of the Swadeshi movement”. He accused the Congress of compromising on the national song, claiming they “partitioned” it in 1937.
The remarks prompted strong pushback. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said, “There are two reasons for the debate… Elections are approaching in Bengal,” arguing the government wanted to distract from key public issues. TMC leaders also criticised the PM’s references to Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, while West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee questioned the BJP’s stance on iconic freedom fighters.
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