Parliament Session: We vow to give Vande Mataram the respect it deserves, says Rajnath Singh

Rajya Sabha has been adjourned for the day. The upper house will reconvene to meet again on December 9, 2025, at 11:00 AM. 

The Parliament has passed the bill to levy a cess on pan masala manufacturing units.

"Today, as we celebrate the glorious journey of Vande Mataram for a century and a half, we must accept the truth that Vande Mataram did not receive the justice it deserved. Today, in independent India, there was talk of giving equal status to the national anthem and the national song. But one became an integral part of our national consciousness. It found a place in the mainstream of society and culture. It became included in our national symbols. That song was our Jana Gana Mana. But the other song was marginalised and neglected. That song is Vande Mataram. It was treated like an extra. On the very soil where Vande Mataram was composed, in 1937, the Congress decided to mutilate the song. All generations should know about the political deceit and injustice done to Vande Mataram. That is why this discussion is taking place, because this injustice was not just done to a song, but to the people of independent India," said Rajnath.

"Vande Mataram is complete in itself, but attempts were made to make it incomplete. It is the demand of the time to return Vande Mataram to its glory. Vande Mataram was marginalised post-Independence. Vande Mataram did not get the justice it deserved," said Rajnath.

"In 1906, India’s first flag was designed, and Vande Mataram was written at the centre of that flag, which was hoisted in Bengal for the first time. In August 1906, a newspaper titled Vande Mataram was also launched to raise public awareness. This was the time when Vande Mataram was not just a word, it was a feeling, a source of motivation, and a poem," said Rajnath.

"Vande Mataram is the mantra of Swaraj. We vow to give it the respect it deserves. Those who do not understand our culture - how will they understand Vande Mataram?" said Rajnath.

"While people rightly remembered the national anthem, Vande Mataram was only projected as some modern song," Rajnath said. He said that the National Song did not get the right place in India's history like the National anthem Jana-Mana-Gana.

During his address in the Lok Sabha, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said that "Vande Mataram became the pulse of the nation during the freedom struggle." He said that PM Narendra Modi's speech in the Parliament earlier was inspiring. Rajnath added that the Vande Mataram inspired India's people during the partition of Bengal in 1905.

"Vande Mataram is connected with both history and the present. Vande Mataram has awakened the nation. It is not just associated with the elections in Bengal. Vande Mataram has made the British Empire bow down," said Rajnath.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh addresses the Lok Sabha during the Vande Mataram debate. 

"You (BJP) are for the elections, we are for the country. No matter how many elections we lose, we will sit here and keep fighting you and your ideology. We will keep fighting for our country. You cannot stop us," said Vadra.

"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. Those who fought the freedom struggle, sacrificed for the country - this government wants an opportunity to impose new accusations on them. By doing this, the Modi government wants to divert the country's attention from the essential issues concerning the public," Vadra said.

The Congress MP, Priyanka Gandhi, recited the letter written by former PM Jawaharlal Nehru to Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose in 1937. "The so-called objection against the remaining stanzas of Vandra Mataram was manufactured by the communalists," she quoted a portion of the letter, and said that the PM had not mentioned this in his speech earlier in the Parliament.

Priyanka said that the original Vande Mataram, written in 1875 by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee, had only two stanzas. Gurudev Rabindra Nath Tagore recited Vande Mataram in 1896 at a Congress rally; however, the PM Modi didn't mention that during his speech.

During her address, Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi spoke on the Vande Mataram debate, telling the house to "understand the real chronology behind the Vande Mataram. PM Modi gives a good speech but there is one shortcoming that he is weak on facts."

"Vande Mataram united Indians. BJP wanted the national song debate before SIR. It is an attempt to distract people's attention. The government wanted a debate on Vande Mataram because the Bengal polls are coming soon," Priyanka Gandhi said in her address. 

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra has begun her speech on the Vande Mataram debate in the Lok Sabha. She says that the National song is part of India's soul. She alleges the BJP of bringing this up for debate due to the upcoming Elections in West Bengal.

"Vande Mataram isn't just a song; it's the mantra of India's independence... After 150 years of its completion, Parliament must discuss it, and I'm very happy that this discussion is underway... Our speaker has announced that it will be discussed in our assembly as well in the next session. Vande Mataram was never banned. Congress is responsible for any harm or damage to it. Congress itself passed a resolution cutting Vande Mataram and stating that only half of it would be sung... During the BJP's tenure, Vande Mataram has only been respected," said Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis.

"Prime Minister Modi is a very good orator, he inspires crores of people. He has talked about the history of Vande Mataram... Now if the opposition feels that political advantage is being taken from this, then they should think for themselves how they have become such a group that talking about history makes them feel bad, talking about history puts them on the back foot because their real decisions have been exposed... They should actually think about regret," said Baijayant Jai Panda.

"Was there a need for a debate on Vande Mataram after 150 years? The country has been independent for 75 years; neither they nor the Jan Sangh ever raised this issue back then. The BJP is trying to insult Rabindranath Tagore. They keep abusing Jawaharlal Nehru, but now they've started insulting Rabindranath Tagore too," 

"I would like to sincerely thank Modi ji. The way he described the glory of the Vande Mataram song and traced its 150-year journey was truly overwhelming. The entire House listened with great seriousness. Vande Mataram is the soul of India, and the country’s struggle was fought on its basis. I believe that it is through Vande Mataram that we will also complete the journey towards a developed India," BJP MP Sakshi Maharaj said.

Parliament winter session: BJP MP V.D. Sharma on PM Modi’s speech on Vande Mataram says, "Today, the Prime Minister inaugurated the discussion in the country’s Parliament on Vande Mataram on the occasion of its 150th anniversary. The Prime Minister said that Vande Mataram became the mantra of the country’s independence, and the revolutionaries and youth of the nation sacrificed themselves on the basis of this mantra to secure India’s freedom... Looking ahead to 2047, as we envision a developed India, we must advance with this mantra of Vande Mataram, and the Prime Minister has called upon everyone in Parliament to move forward with this resolve."

Responding to PM Modi's remarks that Nehru bowed to Muslim League on Vande Mataram, Congress MP Imran Masood says, "BJP is afraid of Congress and Gandhi family; in fact, it was they (Hindu Mahasabha) who formed govt in coalition with Muslim league (in 1940s)."

Parliament winter session LIVE: During the Vande Mataram debate in the Lok Sabha, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav recalled that the British had banned the song between 1905 and 1908, highlighting its historical significance. He accused the ruling party of attempting to “claim ownership” of national symbols and heritage. Turning to current issues, Yadav criticised the government over the IndiGo flight disruptions, questioning whether the planes were unable to operate or deliberately grounded. He stressed that Vande Mataram should be reflected in actions, not just words, and cautioned that politicising it undermines its true meaning. He further warned that contemporary politics is echoing the old colonial strategy of divide and rule, which those who never fought for freedom cannot fully grasp.

Samajwadi Party chief and MP Akhilesh Yadav is now addressing the Lok Sabha on Vande Bharat debate. 

Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi urged the government, particularly the Ministry of Civil Aviation, to explain the ongoing disruption at airports across the country. Speaking in the House, he highlighted the severe impact on passengers, including dialysis patients, individuals attending weddings, and those visiting elderly relatives. Gogoi described the situation as “complete chaos." 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi accused Jawaharlal Nehru of claiming that “Vande Mataram” might provoke Muslim sentiments.

PM Modi in Parliament LIVE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi hit out at former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, claiming he agreed with Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s views. He further accused the Congress of "compromising and cutting down" Vande Mataram. 

PM Modi LIVE: Gandhi equated Vande Mataram to National Anthem, said PM Modi.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said “Vande Mataram” holds a unique place in history, claiming there is no global parallel to its emotional and cultural impact. 

PM Modi LIVE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi described “Vande Mataram” as more than a patriotic slogan, saying it functioned as a powerful warcry during the freedom struggle. He said the chant ignited courage, unity, and defiance among Indians, turning into a rallying call that strengthened the fight against colonial rule.

PM Modi LIVE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi said “Vande Mataram” became the most fitting answer to British rule, capturing the spirit of resistance and self-belief that defined India’s freedom movement.

PM Modi LIVE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the British initiated their divide-and-rule policy from Bengal, but the spirit of “Vande Mataram” stood firm against their attempts to break social unity.

Vande Matara debate LIVE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that during colonial rule, the British expected Indians to sing “God Save the Queen,” but the nation found its own voice through “Vande Mataram.” He described the patriotic song as a powerful and fitting response to British domination.

Vande Mataram debate LIVE: During his address in the Parliament, Prime Minister Narendra Modi briefly paused after an Opposition MP repeatedly shouted over his remarks. Noticing the disruption, the Prime Minister turned toward the MP and asked with a hint of concern, “Dada, tabiyat thik hai na? Is umar mein ho jata hai kabhi.” 

Vande Mataram debate LIVE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Lok Sabha said, "Vande Mataram song was written amid British pressure on Indians." 

PM Modi in Lok Sabha LIVE: "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...," said PM Modi. 

Vande Mataram debate LIVE: While initiating the Vande Mataram debate, PM Modi said, "Future generation can learn from this debate." 

"...I thank the members of the House for taking part in this important discussion collectively. It is important that we are discussing Vande Mataram, which inspired the freedom struggle..."

Parliament winter session LIVE: Many phases in Vande Mataram's journey, said PM Modi in Lok Sabha.

PM Modi in Lok Sabha LIVE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has initiated the Vande Mataram debate in Parliament.

Parliament winter session LIVE: Parliament is set for a day-long special discussion as the Lok Sabha begins a debate on 150 years of Vande Mataram, one of India’s most revered patriotic compositions. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will open the debate, setting the tone for the 10-hour discussion that forms part of a year-long national celebration launched on November 7.

PM Modi in Parliament LIVE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived in the Parliament and will shortly initiate the Vande Mataram debate. 

Vande Mataram debate LIVE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is all set to speak in Lok Sabha during the Winter Session of Parliament shortly. 

Parliament winter session LIVE:

Parliament winter session LIVE: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, BJP MPs Anurag Thakur, Biplab Deb, Bansuri Swaraj, Sambit Patra, Tejasvi Surya, Santosh Pandey and Soumitra Khan will speak in the debate.

Vande Mataram debate LIVE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will today kickstart a special discussion on Vande Mataram in Lok Sabha to mark 150 years of the national song. The discussion, which will last for about 10 hours, will be concluded by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. Home Minister Amit Shah will initiate discussion on this in Rajya Sabha on Tuesday.

Parliament winter session LIVE: Over debate on 'Vande Mataram' in Lok Sabha today, BJP MP Kangana Ranaut says, "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..."

Parliament winter session LIVE: BJP MP Trivendra Singh Rawat says, "This is very good. The Vande Mataram song has inspired everyone, and Vande Mataram has become a symbol of the country's independence; it has been 150 years. There will be a discussion on how Vande Mataram contributed to the country's independence and on various topics…"

Parliament winter session live: On the Vande Mataram debate, CPI MP P Sandosh says, "The sole intention of the BJP is to divide the people further. They want to make it about the Bengal elections. Do they have faith in India’s independence movement, and did they take part? Bengal is a hotspot for them, which is why they also organised the Gita Mahasammelan. We will take part in the discussion. Let’s wait and watch the content of the PM’s speech; that will tell the real story."

Vande Mataram debate LIVE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to kick off a special 10-hour debate in the Lok Sabha today, celebrating the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram. The discussion will explore the history, cultural meaning, and lesser-known facts about India’s national song.

Parliament winter session LIVE: NDA Parliamentary Party meeting to be held at 9.30 am on 9th December in the Parliament Library Building. 

AAP MP Sanjay Singh gives Rule 267 notice in Rajya Sabha, demandinga discussion on “Public Health Emergency in Delhi, the alarming spike in crimes in the National Capital, and the humanitarian crisis caused by bulldozer demolitions” The MP also gives Zero House Notice in upper house on the issue of "Urgent Need for Pan-India Recognition of CPS Mumbai Postgraduate Specialist Doctors"

Parliament winter session LIVE: 

PM Modi in Parliament LIVE: 

Parliament winter sesssion LIVE: Over discussion on 'Vande Mataram' in Lok Sabha today, BJP MP Giriraj Singh says, "Some people don't believe in 'Vande Mataram', but they believe in Babri Masjid..Not Humayun Kabir, but Mamata Banerjee has got it done (laid the foundation stone of mosque 'Babri Masjid' in Murshidabad). This has been done as per a thought-out strategy, and Mamata Banerjee will have to bear the consequences of it now."

PM Modi Parliament LIVE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reached the parliament and will shortly initiate the Vande Mataram debate. 

Parliament winter session LIVE: On discussion to be held on 150 years of Vande Mataram in the Parliament, Samajwadi Party MP Awadhesh Prasad says, "We welcome it and will participate in this historic and important discussion."

Parliament winter session LIVE: Samajwadi Party MP Rajeev Rai emphasized that the upcoming parliamentary discussion on 150 years of Vande Mataram should also address historical figures who opposed the Quit India Movement or collaborated with the British while freedom fighters struggled for independence. He suggested that the debate should include those who later issued apologies and warned that current policies risk suppressing the nation’s public sentiment. Rai called for a comprehensive discussion that reflects the full context of India’s struggle for freedom.

Congress MP Sukhdeo Bhagat raised concerns over the upcoming parliamentary discussion on 150 years of Vande Mataram, pointing out what he sees as a contradiction in parliamentary protocol. Citing the Rajya Sabha Secretariat’s bulletin, he noted that singing the song in Parliament is considered against decorum. Bhagat emphasized that while a discussion is welcome, the national song should be a source of pride rather than a subject of political controversy. He urged that the debate focus on India’s history and valor, rather than blame or politicization of Vande Mataram.

Parliament winter session LIVE: On Lok Sabha to hold special discussion on 150 years of Vande Mataram, RJD MP Manoj Jha says, "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..."

150 years of Vande Mataram Parliament discussion LIVE: On Lok Sabha to hold special discussion on 150 years of Vande Mataram, BJP MP Sudha Murthy says, "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..."

Parliament winter session LIVE: Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Shinde called the day that will discuss 150 years of Vande Mataram 'historic,' While speaking to news agency ANI, Shinde said, "Under the leadership of our Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a historic discussion will be held on 150 years of Vande Mataram in the Parliament. It is a big day for all Indians."

PM Modi in Parliament LIVE: BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla said the nation will witness a historic moment in both Houses, paying tribute to Vande Mataram, which he described as a unifying call during India’s struggle against the British Raj. He criticized Congress, particularly Rahul Gandhi, claiming they should apologize for the alleged historical mistreatment of the song. Poonawalla accused Nehru of opposing Vande Mataram for political reasons and asserted that Congress continues to target national symbols for vote bank politics, dividing the nation on the basis of caste and communal lines.

Parliament winter session LIVE: Congress MP Praniti Shinde remarked that the Lok Sabha will hold a discussion on the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram as well as on the SIR. She added briefly, “You’ll see what will happen,” without elaborating further on the proceedings.

BJP MP Sudhanshu Trivedi highlighted the significance of the upcoming parliamentary discussion marking 150 years of Vande Mataram, noting that it will include an address by the Prime Minister. He said that the nation eagerly anticipates the discussion, which aims to inspire the youth of today just as the national song energized freedom fighters in the past. Trivedi observed that while the struggle during the freedom movement was for political independence, the current fight is for social and cultural freedom. He called on all political parties to rise above past mistakes, partisanship, and divisive ideologies to collectively celebrate Vande Mataram’s anniversary, thereby reinforcing the spirit of national unity and development.

BJP National Spokesperson and MP Sambit Patra expressed gratitude to the BJP government and Prime Minister for highlighting overlooked heroes allegedly marginalized by Nehru-Gandhi politics. Speaking on the occasion of 150 years of Vande Mataram, he referenced the 'Sardar@150' program celebrating Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s birth anniversary, which included a Unity March across India and debates on his contributions. Patra noted that Vande Mataram, written by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay on November 7, 1875, holds immense historical and cultural significance. He emphasized that nationwide celebrations today honor the sacrifices of ancestors who chanted the national song during India’s struggle for freedom. Patra also criticized Nehru’s approach, citing claims from Sachiv Bhattacharya’s book that Nehru believed Vande Mataram might “irritate Muslims,” describing it as a “false sense of secularism.” He suggested that the upcoming parliamentary discussion would once again revisit and potentially challenge Nehru’s legacy.

PM Modi in Parliament live: The BJP-led NDA government has been allotted three hours for its participation in the Lok Sabha debate, while a total of 10 hours has been set aside for the entire discussion. The debate will also continue in the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday, where Union Home Minister Amit Shah is expected to open the discussion.

Parliament winter session live: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to address the ongoing discussion at 12 pm today. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is also scheduled to speak later, at the conclusion of the session.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will today kickstart a special discussion on Vande Mataram in Lok Sabha to mark 150 years of the national song. The discussion, which will last for about 10 hours, will be concluded by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. Home Minister Amit Shah will initiate discussion on this in Rajya Sabha on Tuesday. This debate is happening at a time when politics around this song has heated up, with the BJP claiming that the Congress deliberately dropped important stanzas of Vande Mataram in 1937, which ultimately sowed the seeds of partition. Read the full story here. 

PM Modi in Parliament LIVE: The year-long anniversary programme was inaugurated by PM Modi in New Delhi on November 7. The national song, written by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee, first appeared in Bangadarshan magazine in 1875 and later became part of his novel Anandamath. Set to music by Rabindranath Tagore, Vande Mataram evolved into a defining symbol of India’s cultural and patriotic spirit.

Parliament Winter Session LIVE: This Winter session, which began on December 1, has faced disruptions over opposition protests related to the SIR issue. The first two days saw repeated adjournments. A similar protest had derailed much of the Monsoon session as well, with the opposition demanding a debate on the SIR being conducted in Bihar at the time.

PM Modi live in parliament: The discussions are not limited to the Lok Sabha. On Tuesday, Union Home Minister Amit Shah will start the debate in the Rajya Sabha. Leader of the House J. P. Nadda is also expected to participate, continuing the Parliament-wide commemoration of Vande Mataram’s 150-year history.

After the Prime Minister, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is expected to address the House. Congress leaders, including deputy leader Gaurav Gogoi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, will also speak. Members from several parties are scheduled to present their perspectives, making this a rare, long-format discussion across party lines.

PM Modi in parliament live: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will start the discussion today in the Lok Sabha. The House has set aside 10 hours for this special debate, which focuses entirely on the legacy and 150-year journey of Vande Mataram. His speech is expected to highlight the historical roots of the national song and its emotional connection with the Indian people.