“Vande Mataram Maa Durga Stanzas Removed by Nehru”: BJP‘s Major Allegation

In a fiery political debate, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has accused India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, of removing verses from Vande Mataram that referenced Maa Durga. The claim, made by senior BJP leaders, has reignited historical, cultural, and political tensions ahead of key elections.

BJP’s Claim: Nehru “Diluted” Vande Mataram

BJP spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi alleged that Nehru pushed for omitting Hindu references during a 1937 Congress Working Committee meeting in Kolkata. He cited historical records, claiming Nehru feared the song’s religious imagery could alienate minorities.

“Vande Mataram was written by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay as a tribute to Bharat Mata as Maa Durga. Nehru erased its essence for political convenience,” Trivedi stated.

The BJP has long framed Congress as “anti-Hindu,” and this charge fits its narrative of “cultural erasure.”

History of Vande Mataram: Why Were Verses Shortened?

Written in 1875 as part of Anandamath, Vande Mataram became a freedom struggle anthem. However, its later stanzas explicitly praise Durga and Lakshmi, leading to debate.

After Independence, only the first two stanzas were adopted as the national song—seen as a secular compromise. Critics argue this “whitewashed” Hindu heritage, while Congress insists it ensured inclusivity.

Congress Counters: “False, Baseless Allegations”

Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh called the claim “a manufactured controversy.” He stated:

“No such decision happened in 1937. The shortened version was a post-1947 consensus.”

Historians like Ramachandra Guha noted Nehru discussed the song’s religious tone but didn’t act alone.

Political Impact: BJP’s Hindutva Push Before Elections

The controversy aligns with BJP’s Hindutva agenda, aiming to:
– Consolidate Hindu voters
– Paint Congress as “anti-Indian culture”

Opposition leaders, like AIMIM’s Owaisi, slammed the BJP for “diverting from real issues like unemployment.”

Public & Cultural Reactions

• #VandeMataram trended on social media, with heated debates.
• VHP demanded the full song’s reinstatement in official events.

Conclusion: History or Political Weapon?

The row reflects India’s deep ideological divide. While the BJP frames it as “Nehru’s betrayal,” critics call it “selective outrage.”

Key Question: Was trimming Vande Mataram a necessary compromise or erasure of Hindu identity?

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