Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra delivered a forceful and articulate address in the Lok Sabha on Monday during the discussion marking 150 years of Vande Mataram. Her speech served as a direct rebuttal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s criticism of the Congress party’s historical stance on the national song.PM Modi had opened the debate with a sharp attack, accusing Congress of undermining Vande Mataram in 1937—an act he suggested contributed to the circumstances that eventually led to Partition.Responding from the Opposition benches, Priyanka Gandhi highlighted the pivotal role played by Jawaharlal Nehru, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, and other freedom fighters in elevating Vande Mataram as a symbol of unity, patriotism, and resistance during the freedom struggle. She firmly rejected the Prime Minister’s assertion that Congress had betrayed the anthem, stressing that it was Congress leaders who consistently upheld its spirit.“Vande Mataram was not merely a song; it was the heartbeat of our freedom movement,” she said, evoking its emotional and ideological significance for millions of Indians. She applauded Nehru’s commitment to a secular and inclusive India, reminding the House that Congress built robust democratic institutions and guided the country through the challenges of independence and nation-building.Criticizing attempts to use the national song as a political tool, Priyanka Gandhi said, “Honoring Vande Mataram means embracing the inclusive values it stands for—not using it to fuel division.” Her remarks were seen as a pointed response to PM Modi’s claim that Congress diluted the anthem to appease specific communities.She also listed Congress’s enduring contributions beyond the freedom struggle, including establishing democratic frameworks, advancing economic reforms, and promoting social justice. Priyanka urged the nation to acknowledge these achievements while cautioning against efforts to distort historical narratives.Her emphasis on unity and pluralism resonated strongly in the House. “We owe it to our leaders and countless patriots to preserve India’s unity and pluralism,” she said, appealing to MPs to rise above partisan politics and work collectively for national progress.The speech drew loud applause from Opposition members and underscored the continued relevance of the Congress legacy in contemporary political debates.Monday’s debate became a snapshot of India’s broader ideological contest, with Priyanka Gandhi’s address standing out as a powerful defense of Congress’s patriotic and democratic heritage amid the Prime Minister’s sharp criticism.