New Delhi, 20 August (H.S.): Former Union Minister and MP Anurag Singh Thakur has strongly criticised the Congress Working Committee’s decision to refrain from singing the national song ‘Vande Mataram’ in its entirety, saying the move reflects an “anti-national, anti-Constitution and anti-Parliament” mindset. He alleged that the Congress, immersed in appeasement politics, had begun viewing even the honour accorded to the national song through a political lens.

Speaking to the media on Thursday, Anurag Thakur said ‘Vande Mataram’ was not merely a song but a symbol of India’s freedom, patriotism and the sentiments of millions of citizens. He said the song had played a significant role in awakening national consciousness and inspiring the spirit of independence among Indians during the freedom struggle. He described the Congress’ reluctance to sing the national song in full as extremely unfortunate.

“The Congress should understand that the honour of the nation and its national symbols cannot be reduced to political considerations,” he said.

Thakur said that while the Congress frequently invoked the Constitution, it should also remember that the Constitution’s fundamental spirit was to strengthen the unity and integrity of the nation and foster a sense of national consciousness among citizens. He said Parliament should respect the sentiments of the people regarding the national song and acknowledge its historical significance rather than seeking divisive interpretations for vote-bank politics.

He further said that respecting ‘Vande Mataram’ was not a matter concerning any particular political party, caste or religion, but a matter of honouring Bharat Mata and the 1.4 billion citizens of the country.

Thakur urged the Congress to rise above its political compulsions and respect national interests and sentiments. He asserted that the people of India would not accept the alleged politics of appeasement or any perceived disrespect towards national symbols, adding that ‘Vande Mataram’ would always hold the highest place in the hearts of Indians.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar