Opposing Vande Mataram treason, says Yogi
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday said “opposing” Vande Mataram and making “insulting remarks” against national symbols was no less than treason. He accused the Samajwadi Party and Congress of misleading people in the name of the Constitution and disrespecting the National Song.
Speaking in the Legislative Council during the Budget Session, Adityanath said the state takes pride in its heritage and believes that development rooted in legacy lays the foundation of a bright future. However, he said, if anyone glorifies “invaders” who “attacked the soul of India” and tried to shackle its faith for political gains, “the new India and the new Uttar Pradesh will not accept it.” “You see how statements are made in support of anti-national elements or derogatory comments are passed against symbols of national pride. This is nothing short of treason,” he said.
Adityanath said the National Song, which was accorded recognition by the Constituent Assembly on January 24, 1950, symbolises India’s pride and honour.
He said every Indian has a duty to respect national symbols, including the Tricolour, the national anthem, the national song and national icons. The Centre is celebrating the 150th year of Vande Mataram and recently issued fresh codes related to it.
Adityanath said he was grateful to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for issuing a notification making the National Song mandatory at public functions, and said opposing Vande Mataram was an insult to the Constitution and its makers, including B R Ambedkar.
“I want to ask the Samajwadi Party and Congress - on one hand, you mislead the public in the name of the Constitution, and on the other, your members say they will not stand for Vande Mataram.
What does it mean? You want to live in India but have a problem with the national anthem and national song? This cannot be accepted,” he said.
Responding to the discussion on the Governor’s address, he said 51 members from across parties enriched the debate with their valuable suggestions and upheld its dignity, and thanked them for their contributions.
“The governor’s address is a document outlining the Government’s achievements and future action plans, and is constitutionally presented annually in the Assembly by the governor and in Parliament by the President,” he said. Referring to the Opposition, particularly the Samajwadi Party, he alleged that the “indecorous and inappropriate conduct” not only disrespected a constitutional office but also amounted to an affront to a woman holding a high post.
