The poem 'Vande Mataram' written by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee, which was adopted as national song, is strictly about Patriotism with no religious element in it.
The phrase Vande Mataram literally means - "I salute thee, my Motherland". There is no religious element in it. It's strictly about Patriotism. The song - for all practical purpose - belonged to the Congress party and the history of freedom struggle. But in 2026, what we have is sheer controversies.
The original poem 'Vande Mataram' was written by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee in 1875 and it was published in his Bengali novel 'Anandamath' in 1882. The history behind it tells us that in effect- that was "A Melody - that became a Movement".
Fact sheet
It was first sung by Rabindranath Tagore at the 1896 Congress Session in Calcutta. Vande Mataram, as a political slogan, was first used on 7 August 1905.
This year--November 7, 2025 to November 7, 2026--is the 150th anniversary of India's National Song Vande Mataram. It is also a fact that whenever Vande Mataram is played, it does not evoke religious sentiment. Mere having some words and names in a poem does not make it a prayer.
The composition as an enduring anthem has for decades now inspired countless generations of freedom fighters and nation builders, standing as a lasting emblem of India’s national identity and collective spirit.
The Congress should be more than delighted that even by a BJP government, the song which was part of Congress' struggle and commitment to Freedom struggle has been given so much respect in the year 2026. Hence, at times I feel - instead of taking credit for the song; it is an unwise decision on the part of Congress to politicise the issue.
Had they extended support and endorsed the Modi Govt.'s decision to show respect to the National Song - they might have garnered some political benefits. On the part of BJP; it is sheer patriotism and respecting the legacies of the song and the maestro (Bankim Chandra Chatterjee) who created it.
As a devote Christian; personally, I do not see any 'religious' or Hindu ritual in it. This misinterpretation is at the scale of stunning and I am at a loss on how to sympathise with those leaders and minority communities people who have made a mountain out of a mole hill.
Of course, cultural nationalism has been BJP's sincere commitment and we would live by that.
Why Congress stance is baffling? Please note that the phrase 'Vande Mataram' appeared on the flag displayed by Bhikaji Cama in 1907. It is therefore a striking historical irony that the same Vande Mataram song which the British sought to suppress for awakening resistance against Colonial rule is now being "restricted" by the Congress party.
Come to think of it as a socio-economic subject; this new controversy triggered will not affect educated and common Muslims. The historical fact is that the Congress itself had once recognised the significance of the song but subsequently yielded to communal pressures.
In 1937, still one could have understood the Congress move because Partition was still far off and they had to keep Muslim League in friendly terms. But in 2026; the decision to oppose the full singing of Vande Mataram is almost a joke. I insist this is a patriotic song and has nothing to do with any Hindu religious spirit or rituals.
Some people thrive in exploiting things when they are half-baked. This new controversy of 2026 is one episode and of all the parties in India - the Congress should be the last party to draw into that crowd. Essentially, Vande Mataram belongs to them; and rather, they have all the right to seek credit if they desire.
The students of history would know that the issue was exploited as a political subject by the Muslim League when in a 14 points charter of demand with Congress leader Jawaharlal Nehru; it demanded Vande Mataram should be abandoned completely. Those who made such demands divided India and went away with Pakistan.
Thus, there is no justification in giving any importance to an argument that was piloted by the Muslim League.
Against this historical background, the NDA under the stewardship of PM Narendra Modi ji has taken concrete steps to restore the honour, dignity and rightful national place for the song 'Vande Mataram'.
Moreover, the Congress party courted a controversy by their party function inside the Congress office on Aug 15, 2026. It appeared a case of mismanagement because one party leader later said that leaders including Sonia Gandhi was asking for a chair for Mallikarjun Khargeji. Secondly, it was inside their party office and none would have bothered to know whether the national song was sung in full or not.
We all know the famous poetic line of Tagore - "Into that heaven of freedom, my Father, let my country awake" --- take note of the word Father here; will it be justified to argue that the word Father here is referred to Jesus Christ.
Poets sometime make one use of some words and phrases that go well strictly with the poetic demands. To wrap up one would only say -- fake pretence cannot conceal the politics of appeasement.
M Chuba Ao
Former BJP National Vice President
(Views expressed are personal)