New Delhi, Dec. 8 -- As the Lok Sabha is holding a special debate on Vande Mataram today, BJP MP Kangana Ranaut said it is a "matter of pride" that the national song, one she described as a spark that fuelled the freedom movement, was finally receiving its due recognition. She alleged that the Congress had removed portions of the composition referencing Goddess Durga, saying that the party had "always been anti-women".

"It is a matter of pride for the country that the song which rose as a spark of the freedom struggle and reduced the entire British empire to ashes is now receiving its due credit. The Congress government had removed the entire portion mentioning Goddess Durga from the song. Congress party has always been anti-women," Rana...