“Will These Traitors Teach Us?”: Pawan Khera Slams RSS, BJP Amid Vande Mataram Row

Congress leader Pawan Khera on Thursday launched a sharp attack on the BJP and the RSS amid the ongoing political controversy over Vande Mataram, questioning their credentials to lecture the Congress on patriotism and the national song.

Khera's remarks come amid an escalating exchange between the Congress and BJP over the rendition of Vande Mataram during Independence Day-related events and the Congress's position on singing the song's first two stanzas. (Lokmat Times)

Khera Targets RSS, BJP

Reacting to criticism from the BJP and RSS, Khera questioned whether the organisations had the authority to teach the Congress about patriotism.

He said, “Will these traitors teach us?”, while attacking the RSS and BJP over their criticism of the Congress.

The remarks have added another layer to an already heated political confrontation over Vande Mataram.

Vande Mataram Row

The controversy intensified after a video from an Independence Day programme at the Congress headquarters circulated on social media, leading BJP leaders to accuse the Congress of disrespecting the national song. The BJP has particularly targeted Congress leaders over the manner in which the song was performed at the event. (The Times of India)

The Congress has maintained its position of singing the first two stanzas of Vande Mataram, citing the party's historical position dating back to a 1937 resolution. The Congress Working Committee reaffirmed this position at its August 19 meeting. (The Times of India)

BJP Hits Back

The BJP has strongly rejected the Congress's position and accused the party of disrespecting the national song.

BJP national president Nitin Nabin criticised the Congress over its stance, while BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari also attacked the Opposition party during the controversy. (The Times of India)

Union Home Minister Amit Shah had earlier accused the Congress of insulting Vande Mataram and demanded an apology over the controversy surrounding its Independence Day programme. (The Economic Times)

Congress Defends Its Position

Congress leaders have pushed back against the BJP's allegations, arguing that the party respects Vande Mataram while maintaining its established position regarding the portions of the song that should be performed at official events.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has also criticised the BJP and RSS during the controversy, questioning their role in India's freedom struggle. (The Times of India)

Political Row Escalates

The dispute over Vande Mataram has now become part of a wider political confrontation between the two parties, with both sides invoking the national song, India's freedom movement and questions of patriotism.

Khera's latest comments are likely to further intensify the exchange as the Congress and BJP continue to attack each other over the issue.