{
  "type": "article",
  "title": "Amid Political Row Over Vande Mataram, Ashok Gehlot Invokes 90-Year History and Questions Role of RSS",
  "summary": "Amid the ongoing political debate over Vande Mataram, Congress leader Ashok Gehlot has launched a sharp attack on the BJP and RSS. Citing 90 years of historical connection, he questioned the role of the Sangh during the freedom movement and criticized current government policies.",
  "content": "Amid an escalating political controversy surrounding the national song Vande Mataram, former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot launched a scathing attack against the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh. Addressing media personnel and public forums in Jaipur, the senior Congress leader emphasized that his party’s association with Vande Mataram is not a recent development but a rich heritage spanning 90 years. He pointed out that the song has been regularly rendered with deep respect across all Congress conventions, national meets, and official gatherings since the days of the freedom movement. Questioning the credentials of those currently casting doubts on the party’s patriotism, Gehlot asserted that critics have no moral or constitutional standing to dictate who shares what bond with the national song. He accused the ruling establishment of twisting historic facts and fabricating controversies to divert public attention from pressing national governance failures.\n\nA 90-Year Legacy and the Historical Tagore Committee Decision\nTraversing through historic milestones, Ashok Gehlot underscored that the current protocol governing the singing of Vande Mataram was established through a structured collective process nearly nine decades ago. He recalled that approximately 90 years ago, a dedicated committee was constituted under the guidance of Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore. This historic panel comprised prominent freedom fighters and national leaders, including Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, Subhash Chandra Bose, and Acharya Narendra Deva. Together, these visionary figures meticulously deliberated upon the text and finalized the specific stanzas of Vande Mataram that would be formally adopted for public rendition during national assemblies.\n\nThe former Chief Minister questioned why the ruling party is attempting to disrupt an arrangement that has functioned harmoniously for nearly a century by introducing new bills, legislative proposals, and contentious debates. He highlighted that Congress has consistently adhered to this established protocol for 90 years without deviation. Gehlot asserted that the BJP and its affiliates are stirring fresh controversies purely for political branding and electoral posturing. Reiterating his stance on the social media platform X, Gehlot stated that regardless of the unsubstantiated allegations leveled by the ruling party, Congress will continue to firmly refute these charges on every public platform.\n\nQuestions Over RSS Headquarters Flag Hoisting and Freedom Movement Stance\nTurning his focus toward the ideological foundation of the ruling party, the former Chief Minister raised sharp questions regarding the historic record of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh. He remarked that those lecturing the nation on patriotism today must reflect on their own organization's past conduct. Gehlot alleged that the RSS did not hoist the national tricolor flag at its Nagpur headquarters for nearly 50 years. He argued that representatives of an organization with such a record have little authority to question the Congress party’s unwavering dedication to the national flag and Vande Mataram.\n\nElaborating further on the era of the independence struggle, Gehlot alleged that while freedom fighters were facing British bullets and batons while chanting Vande Mataram, individuals associated with the RSS were siding with the colonial authorities. He noted that as the entire country rallied against British rule under the patriotic resonance of Vande Mataram, the RSS composed a separate anthem for itself, which continues to be recited in its local shakhas to this day. Stating that the public is fully aware of the nature of their distinct organizational song, Gehlot questioned what right such leaders possess to challenge the patriotic credentials of the Congress.\n\nAllegations of a Deep Guilt Complex and Declining Political Graph\nAshok Gehlot asserted that the BJP and its allied organizations are suffering from a profound guilt complex, or a guilty conscience, regarding their historical role. He stated that in order to mask this internal guilt, their leaders are resorting to aggressive rhetoric, loud public statements, and hyper-nationalistic posturing. According to the former Chief Minister, the ruling party's governance model is characterized by minimal actual work on the ground combined with excessive publicity and marketing campaigns. However, he noted that citizens have recognized this discrepancy, leading to a visible decline in the BJP's political graph across the nation.\n\nHe further observed that the intense political environment generated around Vande Mataram over the past two days is a deliberate attempt to create narrative diversions. The government, he claimed, is deliberately amplifying emotionally sensitive issues whenever it faces scrutiny on core economic and social challenges. Nevertheless, Gehlot expressed confidence that an increasingly vigilant electorate will see through these political maneuvers and respond appropriately in due course.\n\nStrong Condemnation of Remarks Directed at Sonia Gandhi\nExpressing deep concern over the deteriorating standards of political discourse, Ashok Gehlot strongly condemned the recent statements targeted at senior leader Sonia Gandhi. He specifically criticized Union Home Minister Amit Shah for his remarks, stating that such attacks reflect a troubling disregard for democratic norms. Gehlot emphasized that Sonia Gandhi commands immense respect and holds a distinct place of dignity in the nation's public and social life, having made numerous personal sacrifices over the decades.\n\nHe added that Sonia Gandhi embodies the image of a leader deeply rooted in Indian culture, values, and traditions. The former Chief Minister stated that when individuals occupying top constitutional offices, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, make disparaging remarks about a leader of her stature, it should raise serious questions across the country. He called for maintaining decorum in public life, warning that political power should not be used to undermine the dignity of political opponents.\n\nYouth Protests, Gen Z Demands, and Critiques of Governance Failure\nReflecting on the broader socio-political climate in the country, Ashok Gehlot referenced a recent observation made by Rahul Gandhi, noting that the national mood is undergoing a significant transformation. He remarked that following Rahul Gandhi's countrywide engagements and public outreach, widespread youth movements erupted across various regions. Notably, at New Delhi’s historical Jantar Mantar, Gen Z youth took to the streets in large numbers to register their protest against government policies.\n\nGehlot contended that these surging youth demonstrations signal a complete breakdown of effective governance at the center. He stated that voices of frustration among unemployed youth and citizens are rising from every corner of the country. Rather than dismissing these movements, the government must acknowledge and address the genuine grievances being expressed by the younger generation. He warned that ignoring the aspirations of Gen Z youth would only deepen public discontent across the state and country.\n\nDemocratic Freedoms, University Autonomy, and Corruption Charges\nThe senior Congress leader accused the ruling party of eroding foundational democratic principles and stifling dissent. Drawing a contrast with his own tenure as Chief Minister of Rajasthan, Gehlot recalled that political opponents frequently showed him black flags in protest. However, his administration never viewed such demonstrations negatively nor did it seek to suppress opposition voices through punitive state power. In contrast, he alleged that the current administration responds to public opposition by threatening dissenters with imprisonment, reflecting a government fearful of criticism.\n\nGehlot also raised concerns regarding political interference in academic institutions and the conduct of university Vice Chancellors. He alleged that while BJP leaders and ministers are granted unchecked access to university campuses, representatives from opposition-ruled states face systematic restrictions. Furthermore, addressing financial transparency and recruitment integrity, Gehlot reaffirmed the Congress party’s resolute stance against paper leaks and electoral donation theft. He stated that party workers are actively raising these issues among the public to strong popular support, adding that the formal resolution passed by Congress on these matters was both timely and necessary.\n\nRebuttal to Kiren Rijiju’s Clarification and Final Political Stance\nAddressing the aftermath of the controversy, Ashok Gehlot commented on the clarification offered by Union Minister Kiren Rijiju. He pointed out the inherent contradictions in the ruling party's messaging, noting that whenever controversial statements trigger public backlash, official retractions claim the comments were not aimed at the opposition or any specific individual. Gehlot posed a direct question: if those remarks were not directed at the opposition, then who were they actually intended for? He stated that such evasive explanations only expose the gap between the BJP’s statements and intentions.\n\nConcluding his address, the former Chief Minister reiterated that the ruling party stands increasingly exposed before the electorate as its political standing continues to diminish. He affirmed that the Congress party's connection with the national song Vande Mataram remains deep-rooted, historical, and unshakeable. Gehlot asserted that the BJP has no right to leverage this debate to question the patriotism of the Congress party or its historic contribution to the nation.\n\nWhat this means for you\nAcross India: Ongoing political debates surrounding national symbols highlight critical discussions on freedom of expression, historical narratives, and democratic rights.\n\nIn Rajasthan: Strong stances taken by senior state leaders on national issues are likely to intensify local political discourse and party activities.\n\nQuestions & Answers\n\n1. What is Ashok Gehlot's central claim regarding the Vande Mataram debate?\nAshok Gehlot stated that the Congress party shares a 90-year-old relationship with Vande Mataram, having sung it at party conventions and events for decades.\n\n2. How does Rabindranath Tagore's committee factor into the discussion?\nGehlot highlighted that around 90 years ago, a committee under Rabindranath Tagore, alongside leaders like Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru and Subhash Chandra Bose, decided which portion of Vande Mataram would be sung.\n\n3. What allegation was made concerning the RSS headquarters in Nagpur?\nGehlot alleged that the RSS did not hoist the national tricolor flag at its Nagpur headquarters for 50 years.\n\n4. What was Gehlot's response to comments made about Sonia Gandhi?\nGehlot condemned remarks made about Sonia Gandhi by Home Minister Amit Shah and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, emphasizing her respected standing and image tied to Indian culture.\n\n5. How did Gehlot react to Union Minister Kiren Rijiju's clarification?\nGehlot questioned Kiren Rijiju's later clarification, asking who the remarks were intended for if they were not directed at the opposition.",
  "url": "https://trendkia.com/en/politics/rashtriya-gita-para-jari-siyasi-ghamasana-ke-bicha-ashok-gehlot-ka-tikha-prahara-90-sala-purane-itihasa-aura-rss-ki-bhumika-para-u-19680",
  "category": "Politics",
  "publishedAt": "2026-08-21",
  "tags": [
    "Ashok Gehlot",
    "Vande Mataram Controversy",
    "BJP",
    "RSS",
    "Congress",
    "Amit Shah",
    "Rahul Gandhi",
    "Rajasthan Politics"
  ],
  "language": "en",
  "site": "TrendKia"
}