History Repeats Itself: Congress and the Vande Mataram Controversy Amid Bihar Polls
Sonia Gandhi appointed Ahmed Patel to explain that the Congress respects Vande Mataram, but emphasizes that no one should be compelled to sing it if it offends religious beliefs.
Background of the Controversy
Back in 2006, the Congress faced similar turmoil regarding Vande Mataram. Both Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh and Congress president Sonia Gandhi avoided a CWC and AICC session where the national song was not sung.
The BJP seized the opportunity, accusing the Congress of appeasing minority voters and showing disrespect to India's heritage for political advantage.
Religious Objections to Vande Mataram
Several Muslims oppose Vande Mataram because the song honors the motherland represented as Goddess Durga, conflicting with Islamic principles that forbid idol worship.
Political Challenges for Congress
- The Congress was caught in a difficult position as regional parties like the SP began eroding its minority voter base.
- Retaining constituencies became a major challenge during this period.
- The controversy coincided with the Indo–US nuclear deal negotiations, which Iran opposed, having voted against it.
- A delegation even approached Sonia Gandhi to protest India's growing closeness to the US.
"Congress respected Vande Mataram, but no one could be forced to sing it if it hurt religious sentiments." — Ahmed Patel
This episode highlights how political, religious, and diplomatic challenges often intersect in Indian electoral politics.
Author's Summary
The Vande Mataram debate reveals the complex balance Congress tries to maintain between respecting national symbols and accommodating diverse religious sentiments amid electoral pressures.
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