Agartala (Tripura) [India], August 22 (ANI): Tripura's Animal Resources Development Department (ARDD) Minister Sudhanshu Das made a strong appeal to Sanatani Hindus and nationalist sections of society to reconsider their association with the Congress party, alleging that the party has moved away from India's cultural heritage and is engaging in "appeasement and vote-bank politics" over the issue of Vande Mataram.
Speaking to ANI, Das said Vande Mataram is not merely a song but had served as a "mantra" and a powerful source of inspiration during India's freedom struggle, helping awaken patriotic sentiment and unite people against British rule.
He recalled that Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay wrote Vande Mataram in 1875 and that it was subsequently published in his novel Anandamath in 1882. He also highlighted Rabindranath Tagore's association with the song and said that by 1937 it became an important symbol of the freedom movement.
"It is a matter of great concern that today the Congress Party is rejecting and opposing the song Vande Mataram. This is certainly shameful," Das said.
Drawing a historical comparison, the Tripura minister referred to opposition to Vande Mataram by the Muslim League and Muhammad Ali Jinnah in the pre-Independence period, arguing that the song's references to the motherland as a divine and revered figure were viewed by them as inconsistent with their religious beliefs.
Das said India has historically regarded the motherland as a mother and that the soil of the country is revered by its people. "We consider the soil of this country to be our mother, and all those who live on this soil are her children. Therefore, we deeply respect and revere Vande Mataram," he said.
The minister alleged that the Congress' present position on Vande Mataram reflects what he described as an attempt at minority appeasement and vote-bank politics.
He made a direct appeal to Hindus associated with Congress to reconsider their political affiliation. "If you have love for your religion, your culture and your nation in your hearts, and if you respect our history and traditions, then you should reconsider your association with the Congress Party," Das said.
Referring to Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi, Das urged people who respect India's heritage and traditions to protest against the party's stand on Vande Mataram by severing their political association with Congress.
Das further alleged that the Congress had moved away from the principles of national culture and 'has become like the Muslim League.' He urged the people to understand the implications of such politics for India's cultural and national identity.
Making a special appeal to the youth, the minister said the younger generation should reject politics that disrespects India's national heritage, traditions and cultural legacy.
Das concluded by reiterating his appeal to people who respect the nation's history, culture and traditions to reconsider their ties with the Congress Party, saying that patriotism and respect for national heritage should remain above political considerations. (ANI)
"Congress has become like Muslim League": Tripura Minister Sudhanshu Das appeal Sanatani Hindus to reconsider party association over Vande Mataram row
