Samajwadi Party MP Rajeev Rai has accused the BJP of using Vande Mataram-related issues to create division and divert public attention from the “agreement with America.” Speaking to ANI, Rai claimed, “The BJP, which has no historical contribution to India’s independence, keeps diverting attention. I would urge BJP leaders to name five of their predecessors who went to jail, were hanged, shot, or beaten after singing Vande Mataram.”

He alleged that the ruling party is trying to shift focus from important debates: “They are raising these issues solely for polarisation, to divert attention from the America agreement, and to distract from the Epstein files.” Addressing Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s comments, Rai added, “I ask Yogi ji again to explain the meaning of Vande Mataram. They don’t even understand it or know the history of the freedom struggle. Those pretending to be patriots today should first apologise for their misdeeds.”

BJP MP Ravi Kishan expressed support for the government’s recent Vande Mataram notification, saying it reflects the aspirations of the country’s youth. He told ANI, “Everyone should read the verses. The youth want the verses recited at independence to be remembered, and along with ‘Jana Gana Mana,’ they should also memorise Vande Mataram. The youth have welcomed this.”

Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya praised the Union Home Ministry’s directive requiring all six verses of Vande Mataram to be sung before the national anthem, calling it a “matter of pride.” He said, “Vande Mataram has been notified in the gazette; now all Indians should sing it as the national song. I congratulate the Home Minister for this.” BJP MP Sudha Murthy also voiced support, saying, “I like Vande Mataram and Jana Gana Mana.” These reactions come after the Ministry of Home Affairs issued guidelines stating that at events where both the National Anthem and National Song are performed, all six stanzas of the official version of Vande Mataram must be presented first.