New Delhi, Nov 7: Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Friday said his party has been the proud flagbearer of “Vande Mataram”, which awakened the collective soul of the nation and became the rallying cry for freedom, whereas BJP and RSS have “avoided” the national song despite its universal reverence.

RSS and BJP, who claim to be self-proclaimed guardians of nationalism, have never sung “Vande Mataram” or the national anthem, “Jana Gana Mana”, in their shakhas or offices.

On the 150th anniversary of India’s national song, Kharge said in a statement that “Vande Mataram”, composed by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, embodies the spirit of Bharat Mata and celebrates the unity and diversity of India.

“The Indian National Congress has been the proud flagbearer of ‘Vande Mataram’. It was dur

See Full Page