PM Modi to Initiate Historic Vande Mataram Debate in Lok Sabha on December 8

December 7, 2025

New Delhi: The Government has sought a special debate in Parliament on Vande Mataram, composed by Bankimchandra Chatterjee, amid Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s sharp attack on the Congress for allegedly removing key stanzas of the song in 1937 and “sowing the seeds of Partition”.

Prime Minister Modi will initiate the debate in the Lok Sabha on Monday, December 8, to mark the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will speak after him. In the Rajya Sabha, Home Minister Amit Shah will open the discussion on Tuesday, December 9, followed by Health Minister J.P. Nadda.

The Congress has decided to field Deputy Leader of the Opposition Gaurav Gogoi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra to participate in the debate from the Opposition benches.

Centre Recalls Freedom Struggle Legacy

The Government is keen on highlighting Vande Mataram’s role in inspiring the freedom movement. On November 7, PM Modi launched year-long celebrations to commemorate the iconic song’s 150th year, with a special focus on youth and students to deepen awareness of its historical significance.

Election Reforms Debate Also Scheduled

Meanwhile, the Lok Sabha will take up a debate on election reforms on Tuesday and Wednesday, covering all aspects of the contentious issue, including the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The Rajya Sabha will hold a similar debate on Wednesday and Thursday.

The first two days of the Winter Session, which began on December 1, were repeatedly disrupted due to Opposition protests over the SIR. The previous Monsoon Session was also a near washout over the same issue, particularly due to the revision exercise in Bihar.