Amit Shah Says Division Over ‘Vande Mataram’ Triggered Appeasement Politics Leading to Partition

By A Staff Reporter

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday asserted in the Rajya Sabha that the division surrounding the national song Vande Mataram marked the beginning of the “politics of appeasement” in India, which he said ultimately contributed to the Partition. His remarks came as he opened a debate in the Upper House on the 150th anniversary of the iconic song, composed by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay.

Shah criticised the Opposition for what he called an attempt to link the commemoration of Vande Mataram with the upcoming West Bengal Assembly elections. He argued that such political framing undermined the cultural and historical significance of the song, which played a vital role in India’s freedom movement.

Initiating the debate, the Home Minister described Vande Mataram as the “mantra” that ignited India’s cultural consciousness and united diverse communities during the struggle for independence. “It awakened India’s cultural nationalism and remains as relevant today as it was during the freedom struggle,” Shah said.

He emphasised that the song’s message would continue to inspire future generations as the country moves towards the vision of Viksit Bharat. According to Shah, the enduring relevance of Vande Mataram lies in its ability to bind the nation through shared heritage and patriotic spirit.