PANAJI
The Goa Legislative Assembly saw heated exchanges on Tuesday as the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Opposition sparred over a special discussion on Vande Mataram, marking 150 years of the national song.
While Chief Minister Pramod Sawant hailed the move as a tribute to India’s cultural heritage, Leader of the Opposition Yuri Alemao accused the government of sidelining urgent issues in favor of symbolic politics.
Speaking during the debate, Sawant declared that Vande Mataram was not merely a song but “a soul-stirring call that united Indians during the freedom struggle.”
“We must remember that Vande Mataram inspired countless patriots to sacrifice everything for the nation. Today, as we mark 150 years, it is our duty to honour this legacy and ensure that future generations understand its significance.” Sawant insisted that the Assembly’s decision to dedicate time to the discussion was “a rightful acknowledgment of India’s cultural identity.”
However, the Opposition benches erupted in protest, with legislators demanding that the House first address pressing matters such as the Arpora nightclub fire, corruption allegations, and Goa’s identity crisis.
Alemao accused the government of using nationalism as a distraction.
“The people of Goa are asking about safety, jobs, and corruption. Instead of answering those questions, this government wants to hide behind Vande Mataram. We respect the song, but governance cannot be reduced to symbolism.” Alemao said even as he accused the BJP government of being more interested in optics rather than accountability.
The debate grew sharper when AAP MLA Venzy Viegas linked the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) to the discussion, prompting ruling party members to demand that his remarks be expunged. Speaker Ganesh Gaonkar later ordered the comments struck from the record, further inflaming tensions.
Alemao countered with equal force: “We are not belittling Vande Mataram. We are saying that patriotism also means protecting Goans today. If the government cannot address real issues, then singing songs will not save us.”
