New Delhi: The Rajya Sabha on Tuesday witnessed sharp exchanges during a special debate on Vande Mataram, with Mallikarjun Kharge launching a strong attack on the BJP over its claims on nationalism and the freedom struggle.

Speaking in the House, Kharge said, "...Congress did the work of making 'Vande Mataram' a slogan during the freedom struggle...Your history is that you were always against the freedom struggle and patriotic songs..."

He further added, "...When Mahatma Gandhi started the non-cooperation movement in 1921, lakhs of freedom fighters from the Congress went to jail chanting 'Vande Mataram'. What were you doing? You were working for the Britishers..."

Kharge also accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah of targeting former PM Jawaharlal Nehru, saying

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