Nagpur: Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday criticised Congress for its reported decision to sing only two stanzas of Vande Mataram, accusing the party of returning to what he described as “appeasement politics”. He also advised Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi to engage with youths across the country rather than limiting his interactions to students of colleges run by his party functionaries.Speaking to reporters during his visit to Nagpur, the CM alleged that Congress Working Committee’s (CWC) decision to restrict the rendition of Vande Mataram was “not only anti-national but also an open defiance of the law enacted by Parliament”. His remarks came as the national song’s 150th anniversary is being observed.Fadnavis said Congress had, in 1937, divided the song into two parts as part of what he described as “appeasement”. “The mistake of dividing Vande Mataram has happened once, and the country has already suffered its consequences,” he said, urging people to raise their voice against what he called appeasement by the grand old party.The Southwest Nagpur MLA further claimed the decision taken in 1937 strengthened the two-nation theory and eventually led to Partition. He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi govt had sought to correct that “historical mistake” by giving legal recognition to the complete rendition of Vande Mataram on its 150th anniversary.Fadnavis also targeted Rahul Gandhi’s interactions with students, saying he should broaden his outreach. “Rather than limiting himself to interacting with young people in colleges run by Congressmen, Rahul Gandhi should engage with all young people,” he said.The chief minister’s remarks reflect the continuing political contest between BJP and Congress over nationalism, the legacy of the freedom movement and questions of political outreach to younger voters.CM: Those Opposing Laadki Bahin in Court Are Now Shedding ‘Crocodile Tears’Fadnavis hit out at those who challenged the Mukhyamantri Majhi Laadki Bahin Yojana in high court, accusing them of now shedding “crocodile tears” over the scheme. His remarks came amid a political row over Mahayuti govt’s decision to remove 92 lakh names from its flagship women’s welfare scheme. Responding to a media query, the CM said beneficiaries who failed to complete KYC verification were excluded, as per rule. “Many were found to be government officials and income-tax payees, while some men also availed themselves of the scheme. We will take action against them and recover the amount,” he said. “However, over 1.65 crore sisters who genuinely submitted documents will continue receiving the money as long as the Mahayuti govt remains in power.”
