New Delhi, Dec 8 (NationPress) Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav on Monday criticized the BJP for attempting to “claim ownership of everything and asserting exclusive nationalism,” which he described as “Rashtra-vivadi” (anti-national). In a speech made during a special session of the Lok Sabha to mark 150 years of ‘Vande Mataram’, he emphasized that this national anthem belongs to all Indians and should not be politicized.

Yadav remarked, “When in Kolkata, Congress leaders and Rabindranath Tagore sang this, it resonated with the masses, and during the fight against the British, the slogan of Vande Mataram was pivotal in uniting the people.”

He further stated, “The British, alarmed by this slogan, often incarcerated individuals under anti-national charges. From 1905 to 1908, Vande Mataram was prohibited by the British, yet it could not quell our revolutionary spirit, as our freedom fighters continued to uphold it.”

Directing his criticism at the ruling BJP, Yadav asserted, “The current ruling party in our country seeks to claim everything. They aspire to possess things they have not created. When the organization was being established, there was a discussion about whether the BJP would adhere to a secular or socialist path. The appointed chairman at that time chose the secular and socialist route. They attempted to project that they would follow in Jaiprakash Ji’s footsteps.”

He urged that Vande Mataram should be comprehended beyond mere symbolism, adding, “Vande Mataram is not just a song to be sung but must also inspire action. The Vande Mataram that united everyone in the independence movement is now being misused by some to fragment the nation. It is not a political tool or a matter to flaunt; however, BJP leaders behave as if it is a song created by them. How can those who did not partake in the independence struggle truly grasp the significance of Vande Mataram?”

In one of his most impactful statements, Yadav declared, “They are not ‘Rashtravadi’ (nationalist); they are ‘Rashtra-vivadi’ (anti-national). Historically, the British divided and ruled; today, some are following that same path of division.”

Continuing his critique, he noted, “The reality is that only a handful genuinely recited Vande Mataram with sincerity. Some even acted as informants for the British against those freedom fighters. Vande Mataram is not a platform for insincere politics.”

Yadav also accused the BJP of attempting to co-opt historical figures, stating, “Our party has eradicated communal politics from where the BJP originated. They started featuring Ambedkar’s image in their election campaigns after suffering defeats from the Samajwadi Party.”