Source The Hindu
NEW DELHI, December 7, 2025 — Prime Minister Narendra Modi is slated to initiate a significant debate in the Lok Sabha tomorrow, Monday, December 8, to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the national song, ‘Vande Mataram’. The discussion, allocated 10 hours, is a centerpiece of the ongoing Winter Session of Parliament and is expected to bring to light several lesser-known historical facets of the iconic song.
Parliamentary Focus on National Song
The Lok Sabha has formally listed the item as a ‘Discussion on the 150th anniversary of national song Vande Mataram.’ Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to be the first speaker, marking the formal commencement of the high-profile debate. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is expected to speak after the Prime Minister.
On the opposition benches, the Congress party is set to field prominent leaders, including Deputy Leader in the Lok Sabha Gaurav Gogoi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, ensuring a comprehensive and spirited discussion that will involve members from various political parties.
The move is part of year-long national celebrations dedicated to the 150th year of the poem, which was penned by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee and later set to tune by Jadunath Bhattacharya. Officials have stated that the debate aims to deepen public awareness, especially among the youth, about the song’s historical and cultural significance.
Rajya Sabha to Follow
The special parliamentary focus will extend to the Upper House as well. Union Home Minister Amit Shah is scheduled to initiate the discussion on ‘Vande Mataram’ in the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday, December 9. Health Minister and Leader of the House J.P. Nadda will be the second speaker in the Upper House.
Political Context and Controversy
The debate follows earlier remarks by Prime Minister Modi, who, during the launch of the anniversary celebrations on November 7, had accused the Congress of having “removed key stanzas” from the song in 1937, a decision he controversially linked to “sowing the seeds of partition.”
The Congress has consistently defended its historical position, arguing that its 1937 decision was guided by principles of inclusivity and was not an act of division, but the Prime Minister’s accusations have added a charged political dimension to the upcoming parliamentary discussion. The ruling party views the commemoration as a project to reaffirm cultural pride and national self-confidence, while the opposition is expected to use the debate to counter the historical narrative put forth by the government.
The Winter Session of Parliament, which began on December 1, has already witnessed disruptions over other contentious issues, suggesting that the debate on the historically and politically significant ‘Vande Mataram’ will likely be a keenly watched and robust exchange.
