Government, Opposition spar in Lok Sabha over Vande Mataram
The controversy that arose in the Lok Sabha during the discussion of the 150th anniversary of the song Vande Mataram, with the Government and the Opposition contesting the historical interpretation and political manipulation of the song, escalated into an argument. The Government argued that the significance of the national song was diminished by previous leadership, which had been forced to compromise it for the sake of Independence. The Opposition responded by accusing the ruling party of exploiting a symbol of patriotism to evade addressing national issues, such as unemployment and governance challenges. What initially aimed to honour a patriotic song quickly turned into a heated political dispute.
Vande Mataram Sparks Heated Exchange Between Govt and Opposition
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The Lok Sabha organised a special debate to discuss the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram, and this created a skirmish between the Government and the Opposition.
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The Government cited that the national song was historically watered down politically, which they called an ancient injustice.
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The Opposition responded by arguing that the discussion was meant to divert attention from the major national matters facing the country, like unemployment and leadership.
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The tribute evolved into a high-voltage political confrontation, marked by intense arguments on both sides.
Top Asked Questions on Vande Mataram: Previous Year MCQs for All Exams
| Exam Name | Year | Question | Answer |
|---|---|---|---|
| SSC CHSL | 2021 | Who wrote the song “Vande Mataram”? | Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay |
| SSC GD | 2020 | In which language was “Vande Mataram” originally written? | Sanskrit |
| UPSC Prelims | 2019 | “Vande Mataram” was included in which novel? | Anandmath |
| Railways Group D | 2018 | When was “Vande Mataram” first sung in a political session? | 1896, Indian National Congress Session (Calcutta) |
| SSC CGL | 2017 | Who sang “Vande Mataram” for the first time in the Congress Session? | Rabindranath Tagore |
| State PCS Exam | 2023 | During which movement did the slogan “Vande Mataram” become popular? | Swadeshi Movement (1905) |
| RRB JE | 2019 | The English translation of “Vande Mataram” was done by whom? | Sri Aurobindo |
| UPSC CDS | 2020 | “Vande Mataram” was adopted as the National Song on which date? | 24 January 1950 |
| SSC MTS | 2022 | In which year was “Vande Mataram” written? | 1875 |
| Police Constable Exam | 2024 | Which stanza(s) of “Vande Mataram” were adopted as the National Song? | First two stanzas |
Conclusion
There was a great divide in the Lok Sabha discussion on Vande Mataram as the same symbolic expression had been turned into a controversial dialogue. On the one hand, the Government focused on the historical reverence of the national song, whereas on the other hand, the Opposition perceived a political motive in the discussion. The episode demonstrated the fact that national symbols frequently become the centre of bigger ideology clashes.
