Day seven of the Parliament Winter Session saw high activity with discussions on the SIR voter-roll revision and a special 10-hour debate on Vande Mataram led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Rajya Sabha is gearing up for a similar session today with Union Home Minister Amit Shah taking the lead. Amidst protests, opposition parties are demanding discussions on the alleged misuse of the SIR process to remove voters from marginalized communities.
The much-awaited discussion on electoral reforms in India's Winter Session of Parliament has finally begun on Day 7. Opposition leaders, led by Rahul Gandhi, have been demanding a debate on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter rolls, accusing the government of targeting marginalized communities. Meanwhile, the government maintains that the SIR is necessary to clean up and ensure accurate voter lists. As Parliament debates this important issue, the discussion is expected to shape public trust in India's electoral system. Later today, Rajya Sabha will also hold a debate on Vande Mataram.
On Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussed the significance of the national song Vande Mataram in the Lok Sabha. He expressed his disappointment with the Congress for not standing up to Muhammad Ali Jinnah's opposition to the song during the freedom struggle. PM Modi highlighted the song's lasting impact on India's collective consciousness and its relevance in the current political climate.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's speech during the winter session of Parliament ignited a debate on the 150th anniversary of India's national song, Vande Mataram. PM Modi criticized the Congress for dropping four stanzas of the song and appeasing a particular community, while the Opposition questioned the relevance of the discussion. Modi also highlighted how the song played a crucial role in the freedom struggle and was a symbol of national unity and resolve.
The Maval constituency in Maharashtra has become a battleground for two Shiv Sena candidates, Shrirang Barne and Sanjog Waghere Patil. At the latest count, Barne is leading by 16245 votes, but the race is still close. Maval constituency, which was created in 2008, has six Vidhan Sabha segments and is a key seat in the state. The live results for the constituency are being updated and the final winner will be announced soon.
In a heated discussion in Parliament, DMK MP A. Raja questioned the interpretation and legacy of the national song Vande Mataram. Citing a letter from Jawaharlal Nehru to Subhas Chandra Bose, Raja argued that opposition to the song had deeper historical roots and cannot be dismissed as anti-national sentiment. He also accused the ruling BJP of politicizing the issue and raised questions about the song's role in India's Partition. Despite acknowledging its significance in the freedom movement, Raja emphasized the need to address present-day sensitivities surrounding Vande Mataram.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a fierce attack on the Congress and the Gandhi-Nehru lineage during a discussion in the Lok Sabha, blaming them for not giving due recognition to the national song ‘Vande Mataram’. The ongoing chaos at IndiGo airline with over 300 flight cancellations was also addressed, with the government assuring assistance. The absconding owner of the Goa club, where a fire tragedy occurred, has finally spoken up.
Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra has accused the BJP of using the Vande Mataram debate in Lok Sabha as a means to shift attention from crucial public issues. She alleged that the Modi government is indulging in "event management" and ignoring the contributions of the Congress. Gandhi also criticized Prime Minister Modi for being weak on facts and not properly contextualizing Jawaharlal Nehru's letter on Vande Mataram. She urged the government to focus on finding solutions to the problems of the people, rather than trying to divert attention through unnecessary debates.
In a speech to commemorate the 150th anniversary of India's national song, Prime Minister Narendra Modi delved into the political controversies that have surrounded Vande Mataram throughout its history. From its adoption as a symbol of the Indian Independence movement to its association with communal tensions and religious divide, the song has been a subject of heated debate. The Prime Minister's address sparked renewed discussion on the song's significance and its place in Indian politics.
During PM Modi's speech on the Vande Mataram debate, Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi stated that the party fully supports the patriotic song and its significance in India's history. He criticized the BJP for viewing all Bengalis as infiltrators and for not mentioning the Delhi blast in his speech. Meanwhile, PM Modi spoke on Vande Mataram's role in inspiring the freedom movement, while also hitting out at the Congress and Nehru for their stance on the song. The Deputy Leader of Opposition also questioned the government about the recent flight disruptions and its impact on citizens.