Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai

Mumbai, Nov 4: Maharashtra Minister for Skill Development Mangal Prabhat Lodha on Monday announced that group singing of the national song ‘Vande Mataram’ will be organised outside the residences of Congress and Samajwadi Party MLAs—Aslam Shaikh, Amin Patel, and Abu Azmi—who, he alleged, had either opposed or disrespected national sentiments in the past.

Lodha recalled that Congress leaders Amin Patel and Aslam Shaikh had earlier written to the President of India seeking clemency for Yakub Memon, a convict in the 1993 Mumbai bomb blasts case, while Samajwadi Party MLA Abu Azmi had recently opposed the singing of ‘Vande Mataram’, a song that pays tribute to the motherland.

As ‘Vande Mataram’ completes 150 years on November 7, the state government has launched a series of celebrations to mark the milestone. The initiative began with group singing sessions across educational institutions in Maharashtra. Lodha inaugurated the campaign by singing the song along with students at Sharda Mandir School in Gamdevi, Mumbai, on Monday.

Expressing sharp criticism of Abu Azmi’s stance, Lodha said, “Vande Mataram is not against any religion or community. It symbolizes pure patriotism and love for our country. Opposing it is nothing short of treason.”

He added that the collective singing at Sharda Mandir School served as a befitting reply to those who disrespect the national song. “With a spirit of nationalism, we will continue to say ‘Vande Mataram’. We will also perform group singing in front of the offices and residences of those who oppose it,” Lodha declared.

Addressing the students, Lodha explained the historic importance of the song, saying, “This is not just a song—it is a symbol of inspiration that ignited the freedom struggle. By honouring our martyrs through it, the flame of patriotism will continue to shine in every Indian heart.”

He further stated that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, India is celebrating 150 years of ‘Vande Mataram’ through nationwide programmes. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has also directed all educational and government institutions in Maharashtra to organize group singing, essay competitions, and discussions to spread awareness about the song’s historical and cultural significance.

Meanwhile, Congress sources hit back at Lodha’s remarks, stating, “No one in our party has disrespected ‘Vande Mataram’. The BJP is deliberately raking up divisive issues to polarise society.”

They further alleged that from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, BJP leaders continue to exploit non-issues for political gain. “In the 2024 Assembly polls, they pushed slogans like ‘Ek Hain Toh Safe Hain’ and ‘Batenga Toh Katenge’. Now, they are creating a new controversy around ‘Vande Mataram’ ahead of the local body elections,” a Congress source added.