Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge on Tuesday accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP of using the debate on Vande Mataram to divert public attention from the country’s pressing economic and social challenges.

The Congress chief said addressing issues that were troubling ordinary citizens would be the “true homage to Bharat Mata”. Opening his speech in the upper House with chants of Vande Mataram, Kharge said it was the Congress that made the national song a symbol of India’s freedom struggle.

“It has been our tradition to begin every party programme with Vande Mataram. Those who never had this habit have started singing it, and I thank them for that,” he said.

Taking a dig at the Treasury Benches, Kharge said, “Congress leaders had gone to jail chanting ‘Bh

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