Congress MP Karti P Chidambaram on Monday strongly defended his party’s decision to sing only two stanzas of Vande Mataram, asserting that the Congress has a “long legacy of nationalism and patriotism” and does not need lessons from the BJP.
Speaking to reporters, Karti accused the BJP of “casting aspersions” on the Congress over its rendition of the national song.
“We are nationalists. We come from a party which has a long legacy of nationalism and patriotism. So the BJP need not cast any aspersions on us,” he said.
Responding to criticism over singing only two stanzas of Vande Mataram, Karti said the decision had been taken collectively by several prominent leaders of the freedom movement.
“The BJP must read the history. The decision was taken collectively by stalwarts like Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Vallabhbhai Patel and Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. In their collective wisdom, they decided that only two stanzas would be appropriate and adequate to have as a national song,” he said.
On supporters projecting actor-turned-politician and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay as a potential Prime Minister, Karti said the top post could only be secured with the backing of 272 MPs.
“Any political formation that secures this number will see its leader become Prime Minister,” he said.
Asked about reports of actor Dhanush potentially entering politics, Karti replied briefly, “I don’t watch his movies.”
On the contentious Mekedatu dam issue and its implications for Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, Karti stressed the need to ensure that Tamil Nadu receives its due share of Cauvery water every year in accordance with the provisions of the Cauvery Management Board.
Karti also expressed concern over custodial deaths and honour killings. He attributed custodial deaths to what he described as a problematic “mindset of the police”, alleging that the force continues to behave like a “colonial force” and relies on brutal and third-degree interrogation methods.
He called for a comprehensive overhaul of police training manuals, along with psychological and sensitivity training for personnel ranging from constables to the Director General of Police.
Describing honour killings as a social issue, Karti said political and non-political organisations must work to raise awareness and foster better relations within society while challenging caste-based divisions.
On the Chief Minister’s announcement regarding personal vehicles for MLAs, Karti suggested an alternative based on Delhi’s parliamentary pool system, under which MPs without their own vehicles can use a common transport facility.
(With inputs from PTI)
