New Delhi, Dec 8: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Monday, invoked the enduring spirit of ‘Vande Mataram’ while initiating a day-long discussion in the Lok Sabha to mark the 150 years of the national song.

He described it as a hymn that stood “like a rock” against British oppression and continued to inspire unity across generations.

Tracing the song’s journey from its composition by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay in 1875 to its role in the freedom struggle, PM Modi said ‘Vande Mataram’ became a current of emotion that bound the nation together.

“Even when crises like the coronavirus pandemic struck, the spirit of ‘Vande Mataram’ continued to connect the country. Today, as we march towards an ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (Developed India), this hymn remains a source of strength,” he noted.

The Prime Minister quoted Mahatma Gandhi, who had described ‘Vande Mataram’ as a song that united the nation.

“Pujya Bapu (Mahatma Gandhi) said ‘Vande Mataram’ connects us. It is the dream of today’s generation to build a prosperous India, and this song continues to inspire that vision,” PM Modi said.

He emphasised that the hymn was more than just words — it was a mantra of sacrifice, resilience, and unity.

From the days of colonial bans, when people were punished for speaking or printing the words, to the sacrifices of countless freedom fighters who embraced martyrdom with ‘Vande Mataram’ on their lips, the song has remained a symbol of defiance and hope.

PM Modi urged the Parliament to ensure that the legacy of ‘Vande Mataram’ is preserved and passed on to future generations.

“This is not just a tribute to history but a reaffirmation of our democratic spirit. The lessons of the past must continue to guide our future,” he said, adding that the 150th anniversary was an opportunity to restore pride in a hymn that has been the heartbeat of Bharat.

Initiating a day-long discussion on 150 years of ‘Vande Mataram’ in the Lok Sabha, PM Modi noted that ‘Vande Mataram’ stood like a rock and inspired unity despite British oppression.

“When ‘Vande Mataram’ completed 100 years, the nation was chained by the Emergency. At that time, the Constitution was throttled and those who lived and died for patriotism were pushed behind bars,” he said.

“The Emergency was a dark chapter in our history. Now we have the opportunity to restore the greatness of ‘Vande Mataram’. And I believe this opportunity should not be allowed to pass,” PM Modi added.

New Delhi, Dec 8: Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Monday accused the BJP of trying to “own everything and claiming exclusive nationalism”, which was in fact “Rashtra-vivadi (anti-national).”

In his address during a special session of the Lok Sabha to commemorate 150 years of ‘Vande Mataram’, he said the national song belongs to every Indian and cannot be politicised.

Yadav said, “When in Kolkata, Congress leaders and Rabindranath Tagore sang this, it reached the common people, and when people fought against the British, the slogan of Vande Mataram played a major role in uniting them.”

He added, “When the British got panicked by this slogan, they used to put people in prison under anti-national cases. From 1905 to 1908, Vande Mataram was banned by the British, but they were not able to stop our revolution, and our freedom fighters kept taking it forward.”

Targeting the ruling BJP, Yadav said, “The ruling party in our nation wants to own everything. The things they do not have, they want to own. When the organisation was being formed, and the chairman who was chosen, there was debate on whether the BJP would go on the secular path, the socialist path or not. The chairman appointed at that time chose the secular and socialist path. On his stage, using Jaiprakash Ji’s picture, they tried to spread that they would follow his footsteps.”

Urging that Vande Mataram must be understood beyond symbolism, he said,

“Vande Mataram is not just to sing but to act as well. The Vande Mataram, which connected everyone in the independence movement, today, some people are trying to break the nation; they are still trying to do so. Vande Mataram is not a political subject or something to show off, but these BJP leaders act like it’s a song made by the BJP. People who did not take part in the independence movement — how will they know the value of Vande Mataram?”

In one of his strongest lines, Yadav said, “They are not ‘Rashtravadi’ (nationalist); they are ‘Rashtra-vivadi’ (anti-national). Back then, the British used to divide and rule; today, also some people are accepting that path of divide and rule.”

Continuing his criticism, he added, “The truth is that only a few people truly recited Vande Mataram from the heart. Some even worked as spies and informers for the British against those freedom fighters. Vande Mataram is not for fake politics.”

Yadav also accused the BJP of trying to appropriate icons: “Our party ended communal politics from where the BJP started it. They started putting Ambedkar’s picture in their election meetings after facing losses from the SP.”

Belagavi (Karnataka), Dec 8: The winter session of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly commenced on Monday at the Suvarna Vidhana Soudha in Belagavi amid tight security arrangements.

The Karnataka Police detained activists of the Maharashtra Ekikarana Samiti (MES) for attempting to organise a convention opposing the Karnataka government’s decision to hold the winter session in Belagavi. The border city of Belagavi has been placed under heightened security to prevent any untoward incidents, as the opposition is planning large-scale protests. The BJP has announced that it will lay siege to the Suvarna Vidhana Soudha on Tuesday (December 9) with thousands of farmers.

The 10-day session will continue until December 19, with more than 30 bills likely to be tabled, including the controversial Bill aimed at containing hate speech.

The opposition parties, the BJP and JD(S), are preparing to corner the government, while the ruling Congress has also readied itself to face the challenges by presenting a united front amid the ongoing leadership tussle between Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister and state Congress President D.K. Shivakumar.

Amid the internal power struggle, the BJP had initially planned to move a no-confidence motion but has since backed off.

The first day of the session will be limited to condolence references, after which the proceedings will be adjourned.

BJP State President and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra stated on Monday at the Suvarna Vidhana Soudha that the plight of sugarcane farmers, whose crisis continues unabated, must be taken up for discussion.

He said the state government had failed to open maize procurement centres at the appropriate time, forcing farmers to sell maize at just Rs 1,500 per quintal, far below the minimum support price announced by the Centre. The problems faced by farmers cultivating cotton and tur dal must also be discussed, he added.

“Due to the internal tussle within the Congress-led government in Karnataka, governance has collapsed,” he alleged.

The session is expected to draw significant attention due to the changed political scenario, the government’s controversial decisions, and the expectations of people in North Karnataka.

Both the BJP and JD(S) have announced that they will jointly confront the Congress-led government in the Assembly. The opposition has geared up to target the state government by raising key issues and exerting pressure.

Issues related to North Karnataka are expected to be a major focus, with the opposition likely to seek updates on the implementation of promises made during the previous Belagavi session.

The Karnataka Police have detained more than 20 Maharashtra Ekikarana Samiti (MES) activists who had gathered to hold an event demanding that Belagavi be included in the state of Maharashtra. Former Belagavi mayor Malogi Astekar and other MES leaders were among those detained.

The district administration had denied permission for the MES to hold its ‘Mahamelava’ in Belagavi on Monday, but activists gathered near the Vaxi Depot area and attempted to conduct the event. High drama unfolded as police took them into custody, with MES members shouting “Jai Maharashtra” and raising slogans against the Karnataka government.

In another development, workers of the Uddhav Thackeray faction of the Shiv Sena stopped Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses in Kolhapur district of Maharashtra and pasted “Jai Maharashtra” posters on the vehicles. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation and have intensified security in the border areas adjacent to Maharashtra.