West Bengal BJP President, Samik Bhattacharya, expressed that making the singing of ‘Vande Mataram’ mandatory in state-run schools is a tribute to its writer, Bankim Chandra Chatterjee. He emphasized that this initiative aligns with the party’s agenda and will persist. Bhattacharya highlighted that this move commemorates 150 years of the national song, ‘Vande Mataram.’
Moreover, Bhattacharya criticized the Congress for allegedly rejecting ‘Vande Mataram.’ He pointed out that had Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose not been ousted from Congress, he could have advocated against the idea of two nations, emphasizing unity. Bhattacharya claimed that the refusal of ‘Vande Mataram’ marked the beginning of India’s partition.
In response to the state government’s decision, political parties in West Bengal welcomed the move to enforce the singing of ‘Vande Mataram’ in schools. However, opposition parties stressed the importance of not compromising the national anthem, ‘Jana Gana Mana.’ BJP leader Shatorupa mentioned that introducing ‘Vande Mataram’ in schools would nurture a sense of national pride and patriotism among students.
The Trinamool Congress expressed no objections to the national song being sung in schools, citing its Bengali origin. Similarly, the Congress supported the BJP-led Bengal government’s action. Separately, the Bengal BJP Chief addressed inquiries about the Bar Council of India seeking information on the legal practice of former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. Bhattacharya emphasized the party’s focus on attracting industries to the state and reinstating law and order, reiterating their commitment to fulfilling the trust placed by the people of West Bengal in Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
