Kharge sings Vande Mataram in the House, asserts the true "Power of Vande Mataram"

New Delhi, Dec. 9 -- Congress President and Rajya Sabha Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge Tuesday launched a fierce counter-attack against the ruling BJP during the Rajya Sabha debate on the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram, accusing the government of using the patriotic song for political gain while ignoring pressing national issues.

Beginning his speech with the chant of Vande Mataram, Kharge remarked pointedly, "We have a habit of singing 'Vande Mataram,' but those who didn't use to, now have started it as well. This is the power of 'Vande Mataram'!" The comment was aimed at BJP's ideological predecessors, whom he alleged were historically absent from the freedom movement. Kharge accused the government of hijacking a national sy...