Patna, Aug 17 (IANS) The political dispute between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Congress over ‘Vande Mataram’ has escalated, with BJP workers taking to the streets in Bihar’s Begusarai to protest what they described as an insult to the national song.

The protest march was led by Union Textiles Minister and Begusarai MP Giriraj Singh.

Wearing black armbands and carrying BJP flags, party workers began the march from GD College and proceeded towards Hanuman Chowk at Harhar Mahadev locality.

Protesters raised slogans against Congress and Rahul Gandhi and burned an effigy of the Congress leader.

Addressing the gathering, Giriraj Singh accused Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge of collectively disrespecting ‘Vande Mataram’.

He said the song was not merely a piece of music but represented India’s self-respect, nationalism and national consciousness.

Referring to the freedom struggle, Singh said countless freedom fighters had raised the slogan while fighting British rule and making sacrifices for the country’s independence.

The Union Minister accused the Congress of targeting symbols of national pride in its opposition to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

He said the BJP would continue to protest and claimed that similar demonstrations were being organised across the country.

Calling the issue one of national honour, Giriraj Singh said the alleged disrespect towards ‘Vande Mataram’ would not be tolerated and urged Congress to reconsider its position.

Singh also used the occasion to criticise Rahul Gandhi’s conduct as the Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition.

Paying tribute to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee on his death anniversary, Giriraj Singh recalled Vajpayee’s contributions as Prime Minister, Leader of the Opposition and Parliamentarian.

He described Vajpayee as an example of democratic conduct and Parliamentary dignity.

Union Minister Singh said that while the Opposition has the right to question the government and oppose its policies, it must also maintain democratic decorum and responsible political language.

He suggested that Rahul Gandhi should learn from Vajpayee’s conduct as Leader of Opposition.

He also criticised senior Congress leaders, alleging that they had failed to question Rahul Gandhi’s statements and instead followed his political line.

–IANS

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