BJP Telangana Chief Accuses Congress of Insulting Vande Mataram

BJP Telangana president N. Ramchander Rao on Tuesday accused the Congress leadership of insulting Vande Mataram and called on political parties to respect national symbols and patriotic sentiments.

Speaking at the 376th birth anniversary celebrations of Sardar Sarvai Papanna Goud held at the BJP state office in Hyderabad, Ramchander Rao noted that the Constituent Assembly had accorded the National Song equal status and respect alongside the National Anthem.

Ramchander Rao highlighted instances where controversy arose regarding the song, including an event in Goa attended by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge where only two stanzas were rendered. He also referenced issues surrounding the party's Independence Day programme, which was attended by Kharge along with senior leaders Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi.

He stated that the Telangana unit of the BJP strongly condemns the position taken by the Congress regarding Vande Mataram. He emphasized that every political party bears a responsibility to rise above politics and show respect toward national sentiments, national symbols, the anthem, and the song.

During the event, Ramchander Rao also demanded that the state Congress government fulfill its 2023 election manifesto promise by renaming Jangaon district after Sardar Papanna. He noted that the government had been in office for nearly three years without acting on the pledge, alleging that multiple commitments were being neglected.

Former Governor Bandaru Dattatreya also addressed the gathering, stating that Papanna Goud's revolt against the Mughal empire and his struggle for the self-respect of weaker sections should serve as an inspiration for younger generations.

The programme was attended by Malkajgiri BJP MP Eatla Rajender, MLC Malk Komuraiah, and other party leaders.