CPM leader cornered Rajiv Chandrashekhar in Kerala Vande Mataram controversy!

CPM general secretary MA Baby has defended the state government over the Vande Mataram controversy in Kerala. He said that 'Vande Mataram' is a contribution of the freedom struggle, but the leaders of BJP-RSS never took part in the freedom struggle against British imperialism.

Kerala BJP President Rajeev Chandrasekhar has alleged that 'Vande Mataram' was not sung in full at the Independence Day celebrations only because the UDF government in the state is controlled by Muslim League and Jamaat-e-Islami.

On this, CPM general secretary MA Baby, while talking to IANS on Monday, said, “The most important thing in this controversy over Vande Mataram is the cunning communal agenda of the BJP. The RSS still controls the BJP, but there was no BJP at the time of the freedom struggle.

Jana Sangh was also formed later. Then there were only Hindu Mahasabha and RSS. “One thing that is true about all these organizations, be it the RSS, the Hindu Mahasabha or later the Jana Sangh, is that their leaders never took part in the freedom struggle against British imperialism.”

MA Baby said, “'Vande Mataram' is a product of the freedom struggle. Sanyasis also took part in the anti-British struggle in Bengal. There was a movement there. In fact, Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay's novel 'Anandamath' is based on the same movement, which was against British imperialism. The song 'Vande Mataram' is a part of 'Anandamath', but there are some parts in 'Vande Mataram' where Hindus Gods and Goddesses have been clearly mentioned.”

He alleged that BJP and RSS want to create controversy and division in the Indian society. Therefore, the viewpoint of RSS and BJP regarding 'Vande Mataram' is not acceptable.

On the students' protest in Jharkhand, he said, “I want and hope that the Jharkhand government will act responsibly and listen to the legitimate demands of the agitating students. I hope that today's talks will be successful.”

Referring to the incident of attack on the father of a CJP worker in Bengal, the CPM leader said, “The state unit of CJP has started a survey to find out why government schools do not have the necessary education materials and facilities. An audit of the schools is also being conducted. The house of a CJP worker in Bengal was attacked by BJP people. Family members are also saying the same.”

He further said, “The father of a CJP leader was murdered in Bengal. The BJP has completely failed in its responsibility of conducting elections and examinations properly while running the government. On the other hand, when people raise questions on the mistakes of BJP governments, be it the Central government or now the BJP-led government in Bengal, people are attacked and murdered.”