Parliament to Mark 150th Anniversary of ‘Vande Mataram’ with Marathon Debate, Modi to Open Discussions

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will kick off a historic debate in Parliament on Monday to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the national song “Vande Mataram”, setting the stage for extensive discussions during the second week of the winter session.

The debate forms part of year-long celebrations honoring the song, written by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee and set to tune by Jadunath Bhattacharya. In the Lok Sabha, the discussion will begin with the Prime Minister’s address, while Union Home Minister Amit Shah is scheduled to open the debate in the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday, according to sources familiar with the schedule. The session has been allocated eight hours.

“Many important and lesser-known aspects of Vande Mataram will be brought to the nation’s attention,” a source said.

Speakers Across Parties

• Trinamool Congress (TMC): MPs Mahua Moitra and Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar will speak in the Lok Sabha, while Sukhendu S Roy and Ritabrata Banerjee will address the Rajya Sabha. The TMC leaders are expected to speak in Bengali to add local resonance.

• Congress: Deputy Leader in the Lok Sabha Gaurav Gogoi and party president Mallikarjun Kharge will be the main Opposition speakers in the Rajya Sabha.

PM Modi has previously criticized the Congress for allegedly removing key stanzas from the national song in 1937, accusing the party of “sowing the seeds of partition.” The 150th-year celebrations, launched on November 7, are aimed at deepening awareness of the song’s significance, particularly among youth and students.

Election Reforms Debate Scheduled

The Lok Sabha will also debate election reforms on Tuesday, covering issues such as the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi is expected to speak on the topic. The Rajya Sabha will follow with its debate on Wednesday.

Last week, the government and Opposition agreed to prioritize the electoral roll review debate after discussions over disruptions in the winter session.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju confirmed the schedule on Twitter:

“During the All-Party Meeting chaired by Hon’ble Speaker Lok Sabha today, it has been decided to hold discussion in Lok Sabha on 150th Anniversary of National Song ‘Vande Mataram’ from 12 Noon on Monday, 8th Dec and discussion on Election Reforms from 12 Noon on Tuesday, 9th Dec.”

The debates are expected to bring multiple perspectives on the historical and contemporary significance of the national song, alongside critical electoral reforms shaping India’s democratic processes.