Tripura CM Dr Manik Saha has strongly criticised the Opposition over the ‘Vande Mataram’ controversy, questioning whether those involved understand the national song’s historical significance. He also welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s proposal for free coaching for students preparing for competitive examinations.
Key Takeaways
- Dr Manik Saha strongly condemned the controversy surrounding ‘Vande Mataram’ and criticised the Opposition’s conduct.
- He highlighted the national song’s historical significance and its connection with India’s freedom movement.
- Dr Saha welcomed free coaching for competitive examinations and said the state may consider a similar initiative.
Agartala August 16: Tripura Chief Minister Prof. Dr Manik Saha has strongly condemned the controversy surrounding ‘Vande Mataram’.
The Tripura CM described the incident as highly unfortunate. He said the conduct witnessed during the recent political programme was inappropriate.
His remarks came amid a political row involving senior Congress leaders during the party’s 80th Independence Day celebrations at its headquarters.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and senior leader Sonia Gandhi were seen interacting while ‘Vande Mataram’ was being played. A video from the event at Indira Bhawan showed the two leaders speaking and gesturing to each other.
They were also seen calling a party worker and apparently giving him instructions.
The BJP criticised the Congress over the episode. The party demanded an apology and accused the Congress leadership of showing disrespect towards the national song.
Congress MP Jairam Ramesh, however, rejected the allegation. He said there was “no attempt” to stop the rendition of ‘Vande Mataram’.
According to Ramesh, Kharge had been standing for a long time. He said Sonia Gandhi was asking party workers to bring a chair for the Congress president.
Dr Saha Highlights Historical Significance
Dr Saha questioned whether those involved fully understood the importance of ‘Vande Mataram’.
He recalled the song’s deep connection with India’s freedom struggle. He also referred to Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, who wrote ‘Vande Mataram’.
The Chief Minister said many people drew inspiration from the song during the freedom movement. Its message, he added, generated a strong sense of national commitment.
Dr Saha also referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s announcement to commemorate 150 years of Vande Mataram.
He explained the meaning behind the expression. According to him, ‘Vande’ conveys the idea of bowing or paying respect. ‘Mataram’ refers to the motherland.
For Dr Saha, the phrase represents a broader sense of responsibility towards the nation.
He said citizens should have the mindset to contribute to the country whenever necessary.
‘Enough Is Enough’, Says Dr Saha
Dr Saha also criticised the Opposition’s conduct inside and outside Parliament.
He acknowledged that Opposition parties have the right to enter Parliament. They also have the right to raise issues and participate in democratic proceedings.
However, he alleged that Opposition leaders often avoid meaningful discussions inside the House. Instead, he accused them of creating disturbances and raising issues outside Parliament.
“Enough is enough,” Dr Saha said while strongly condemning such conduct.
He added that people across India had witnessed the developments.
According to the Chief Minister, the incident was inappropriate. He also claimed that it exposed the “true character” of those involved.
BJP Intensifies Attack on Congress
The controversy also triggered a sharp response from BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari.
Speaking to IANS, Bhandari accused the Congress leadership of showing disrespect towards ‘Vande Mataram’.
He alleged that Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi appeared unhappy while the national song was being played. He further claimed that they tried to stop its rendition.
Bhandari launched a broader political attack on the Congress. He used the term “Dimagi Naxal Congress” while criticising the party.
The Congress has denied the allegation. Ramesh maintained that there was no attempt to interrupt the national song.
Dr Saha Welcomes Free Coaching Plan
Dr Saha also welcomed another announcement made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi from the Red Fort.
The announcement includes free coaching for students preparing for competitive examinations.
The Chief Minister said young people represent a major part of India’s human resources. He stressed the importance of providing them with better opportunities.
Dr Saha said free online coaching could make a significant difference for students preparing for competitive examinations.
He indicated that the state government would examine the possibility of introducing a similar initiative.
The Chief Minister said the government would continue to follow major initiatives announced by the Prime Minister. It would also consider suitable measures for implementation in the state.
Dr Saha thanked Prime Minister Modi on behalf of the people for announcing the free coaching initiative.
Focus on Youth and Human Resources
Dr Saha linked the coaching proposal to the larger need to develop India’s young population.
He said the youth are central to the country’s future. Better access to education and competitive examination preparation, he suggested, could help more students pursue government jobs and other career opportunities.
The proposed online model could also make coaching more accessible to students outside major urban centres.
Dr Saha’s remarks indicate that the state government could explore additional support for competitive examination aspirants following the Prime Minister’s announcement.
