BJP national general secretary Smriti Irani has strongly criticised the Congress over the ongoing Vande Mataram controversy, questioning the party’s position on the national song.
In an interview with India Today, Irani referred to the Constituent Assembly and former President Rajendra Prasad’s 1950 statement on according respect to Vande Mataram.
Taking a direct swipe at Congress leader Sonia Gandhi, Irani questioned whether Parliament’s decision on an issue could simply be ignored.
“Are you telling me that once the Parliament of India opines on a particular issue and legislates on it, Sonia Gandhi has the unique right in this country to throw that legislation in the dustbin of time?” she asked.
Her remarks have added another sharp political exchange to the ongoing debate over Vande Mataram and its place in India’s national life.
The controversy continues to draw reactions from leaders across the political spectrum.