The Rajya Sabha on Tuesday turned tense and dramatic during Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s speech on the ongoing debate around Vande Mataram. As Opposition members repeatedly interrupted him, Shah responded with a sharp and sarcastic comment aimed at senior Congress leader Digvijaya Singh.
The disruption began when Digvijaya Singh shouted “jhooth bol rahe hain” (you are lying) during Shah’s address. Reacting to the remark, Amit Shah took a pointed dig at the 78-year-old leader. He said, “Kya kar rahe hain Digvijaya ji? Naukri pakki hai iss aayu mein… ab nahi jayegi.” The comment suggested that Singh need not worry about his political position at his age, adding a sarcastic twist to the heated exchange.
Opposition leaders continued to interrupt the Union Minister, accusing him of presenting false information. However, Shah remained firm and used the moment to strengthen his argument on the importance of Vande Mataram. He criticised attempts to link the discussion to political motives, especially the upcoming West Bengal elections. Without naming Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, he countered her claim that the debate was connected to electoral strategy.
Shah said that Vande Mataram holds significance far beyond Bengal or politics. He pointed out that Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, the song’s creator, may have been from Bengal, but the national song belongs to the entire nation. He added that whether during India’s freedom struggle or today, discussing the national song is always meaningful.
The Union Minister also highlighted how soldiers and police officers often raise the slogan “Vande Mataram” when they sacrifice their lives for the nation. This, he said, shows the emotional and patriotic value of the national song.
The exchange created a charged atmosphere in the Rajya Sabha, with both sides refusing to back down. Shah’s remarks, especially his sarcastic dig at Digvijaya Singh, quickly caught public attention and added a new twist to the already heated debate over Vande Mataram.
The discussion is expected to continue as Parliament prepares for more debates on the national song in the coming days.
