Pratapgarh: During a special discussion on Vande Mataram held in the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly during the Winter Session on Monday, Jansatta Dal National President and Kunda MLA Raghuraj Pratap Singh, popularly known as Raja Bhaiya, strongly advocated keeping the national song above political and communal controversies.
Addressing the House, Raja Bhaiya said that Vande Mataram does not belong to any political party, religion, or community, but represents the soul of the nation. He described it as a symbol of the spirit of India’s freedom struggle and the supreme sacrifices made by countless freedom fighters, asserting that narrow political interests should have no place in matters of national pride.
Expressing gratitude to the Speaker of the Assembly, Raja Bhaiya said that allowing a discussion on an issue of such national importance had further enhanced the dignity of the House. He emphasized that Vande Mataram is an issue that rises above party lines and reflects the collective sentiment of the entire Assembly.
He further stated that making light-hearted remarks or indulging in ridicule over Vande Mataram amounts to an insult to the country’s historical memories and the sacrifices of freedom fighters. Raising a pointed question, Raja Bhaiya asked why controversies are being created today over a song that was unanimously accorded the status of the national song by the Constituent Assembly.
Concluding his remarks, Raja Bhaiya appealed to all sections to refrain from turning Vande Mataram into an electoral or communal issue, and instead treat it as a unifying symbol of national patriotism and respect for India’s freedom struggle.