Rajya Sabha Passes Vande Mataram Bill Amid Opposition Row Over Protests

The Rajya Sabha passed a significant bill on Wednesday that makes any insult to the national song, Vande Mataram, a criminal offence. Under the new law, individuals found guilty of disrespecting the song could face up to three years in prison, a fine, or both. The legislation was cleared amid a walkout by Opposition members and intense shouting matches between the treasury and opposition benches. While the government maintains the bill protects national dignity, critics argue it could be used to stifle dissent and target political opponents.

The upper house witnessed multiple adjournments as the Opposition, led by Mallikarjun Kharge, demanded a statement from Home Minister Amit Shah regarding a recent police crackdown. The controversy stems from a July 20 march by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), where police were accused of using excessive force against student protesters. Rahul Gandhi alleged in the Lok Sabha that police fired bullets at the demonstrators, a charge the government vehemently denied. BJP leaders slammed Gandhi for spreading confusion and inciting anarchy, quoting Urdu poetry to mock his claims during the heated debate.

Outside Parliament, the Delhi Police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) over abusive posts directed at the Prime Minister on social media platform X. Additionally, the CPM has condemned police actions at their party headquarters in New Delhi, describing it as an assault on democratic norms. The passage of the Vande Mataram Bill is expected to further polarise the political landscape. Legal experts anticipate challenges to the bill in higher courts, while the Opposition intends to continue its demand for accountability regarding the July 20 police action in upcoming sessions.