Amit Shah says in Rajya Sabha that Congress dividing Vande Mataram led to India’s partition

Union Home Minister Amit Shah made a strong statement in the Rajya Sabha on December 9, 2025, saying that India might not have been partitioned if the Congress Party had not divided the national song, Vande Mataram, for political reasons. He argued that the Congress promoted “appeasement” when limiting the song, which eventually contributed to the country being split into India and Pakistan.

Shah said that when Vande Mataram completed 50 years, it was restricted, marking the beginning of appeasement politics. He explained that this political decision weakened the national song’s influence and respect at a crucial time. “That appeasement led to the partition of the country. Had the Congress not divided Vande Mataram for appeasement, the country would not have been divided into two,” he said.

The Home Minister also pointed out that when Vande Mataram turned 100 years old, India was under Emergency rule. “During the 100-year celebration of Vande Mataram, an Emergency was imposed. There was no scope to glorify the national song. Indira Gandhi even imprisoned people who propagated or raised the slogan of Vande Mataram,” Shah stated. He emphasized that the national song never received the recognition it deserved because of these political decisions.

Shah further criticized the Congress Party for historically opposing Vande Mataram. He noted that Congress members, including leaders from Jawaharlal Nehru to the present leadership, continued to resist discussions and recognition of the song. He highlighted that during a recent discussion in Lok Sabha, both members of the Gandhi family were absent from the house. “Right from Jawaharlal Nehru to the current leadership, Congress continues to oppose Vande Mataram,” he said.

Nehru limited Vande Mataram, BJP ready for debate

Amit Shah also mentioned that former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru reduced Vande Mataram to just two stanzas during its golden jubilee. This decision, he said, further diminished the song’s importance and prevented its full glory from being celebrated. He highlighted that Congress MPs today question the need for discussions on Vande Mataram in Parliament, calling it a political strategy or a diversion from real issues.

Shah responded by saying the government is ready to discuss any topic in Parliament. “Nobody is scared of discussions on issues. We are not the ones boycotting the Parliament. If they want to discuss, they need to stop boycotting, and all discussions will take place,” he said. He emphasized that the government is open to debate but the Opposition must first participate in the discussions instead of avoiding them.

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The Home Minister reiterated that avoiding discussions on Vande Mataram is not new. He reminded members that when the song completed 50 years, India was still under colonial rule, and Nehru reduced it to two stanzas. According to Shah, this historical context explains why discussions on the national song are necessary today.

Shah argued that Vande Mataram is more than just a song; it is a symbol of national pride and unity. He emphasized the importance of giving it full respect and recognition, stating that the government’s effort to discuss it in Parliament is a step toward restoring its rightful place in India’s history. He also pointed out that debates on Vande Mataram should not be politicized and must be understood in the context of national heritage.

While making these points, Shah indirectly criticized the Gandhi family and the Congress leadership for not participating in discussions and avoiding historical accountability. He highlighted the need for serious debate on national symbols and expressed concern that political considerations have historically prevented proper recognition of Vande Mataram.

In conclusion, Amit Shah’s statements in Rajya Sabha emphasized two key points: first, that the Congress Party’s historical decisions regarding Vande Mataram contributed to India’s partition and limited the national song’s recognition; and second, that the current government is open to discussions on the issue and ready to debate any matter in Parliament. He urged the Opposition to actively participate in discussions instead of boycotting sessions, emphasizing that debates on national symbols like Vande Mataram are crucial for preserving India’s heritage and unity.