Jaipur, Nov. 8 -- The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is conspiring to end the tradition of "Vande Mataram" which is rooted in the foundation and function of the Congress party, former chief minister and senior Congress leader Ashok Gehlot said, while attacking the government on Friday. Addressing a press conference in Jaipur, he said, "We are happy that the ruling BJP is celebrating the 150 years of our national song - Vande Mataram. Usually, a slew of prominent personalities irrespective of any party or community are invited in such programs. However, no Congress leader was invited this time. But it is linked to the foundation and freedom movement by the Congress." He added: "In 1896, this song written by Bankinchandra Chattopadhyay was sung by Rabindranath Tagore in Congress's Calcutta convention. Vande Mataram - this phrase has become a mantra for all the freedom fighter. On the other hand, people from the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) are the ones who colluded with the British. Yet, BJP is trying to finish the traditional history of Congress linked to this song and conspiring to link it with 'RSS agenda' so that our next generation fails to know about the real history." Gehlot said the BJP should involve all the people across the country. "They shouldn't make it a one-sided BJP event spending from public money. They should remember how people, irrespective of any religion or caste politics, feel proud to pronounce 'Vande Mataram'," he said. "This song is rooted in our idea of nationalism. It has set a bar on its own. Has RSS ever adopted this song in any of their events ? BJP and RSS came to power in the name of religion. But they should now stop distorting history," he added. Reacting to Ashok Gehlot's remarks, BJP spokesperson Laxmikant Bharadwaj said the Congress is the very party that once opposed Vande Mataram by terming it "communal." He added that Vande Mataram is a symbol of patriotism and national pride - values with which the Congress has no connection. BJP, on Friday, has organised a national event along with state-level events to celebrate the 150 years of composition of Vande Mataram song. Meanwhile, the Rajasthan Education Department has also mandated singing of this song at every educational institute including in Madrasas. "Such a decision should be taken by consulting with everyone. But neither they did it during SIR nor here," Gehlot slammed. Referring to Rahul Gandhi's Wednesday claim of about 25 lakh votes that have been "stolen" in the 2024 Haryana Assembly elections, Gehlot said, "Do they even care? The EC is not running after them but pushing the ED, CBI against the opposition parties. He also expressed confidence that Congress candidate Pramod Jain Bhaya will surely win the Anta bypoll....