New Delhi, Feb. 17 -- Samajwadi Party MP Rajeev Rai has accused the BJP of raising issues linked to Vande Mataram for polarisation and to divert public attention from "the agreement with America".

Speaking to ANI here, Rai said, "The BJP, which has never contributed to the history of independence, is constantly diverting attention. I would humbly request BJP leaders to name five of their political predecessors who went to jail, were hanged, were shot, and were beaten with sticks after singing Vande Mataram."

He alleged that the ruling party was attempting to shift focus from substantive debates. "Today, they are raising such issues solely for polarisation, to divert attention, to divert the debate from the agreement with America, and to...