BJP Strategic Move: As India approaches the 150th anniversary of the patriotic hymn “Vande Mataram,” the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is preparing to transform the historic celebration into a powerful campaign for cultural nationalism and ideological outreach in West Bengal.
The song, written in 1875 by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay and later immortalized in the novel Anandamath, has long symbolized the spirit of India’s independence movement. Now, the BJP aims to re-energize its Bengal base by celebrating the anthem as a “spiritual rallying cry” for unity, pride, and patriotism — themes that have deep emotional resonance in Bengal’s socio-political psyche.
Historical Background: The Song that Stirred a Nation
“Vande Mataram” was first published in Bankim Chandra’s literary magazine Bangadarshan in 1882, though it was originally composed around 1875. It became an anthem of resistance during the freedom struggle, particularly after being adopted by the Indian National Congress in 1896 at its Calcutta session.
The hymn celebrates the Motherland as divine, describing her as Durga, Lakshmi, and Saraswati, combining religious devotion with nationalistic fervor. It was later given musical form by Rabindranath Tagore and sung at the Congress session — marking its place as a rallying song for revolutionaries and reformers alike.
The phrase “Vande Mataram,” meaning “I bow to thee, Mother,” transcended literature and became a symbol of India’s awakening consciousness — a cry for liberation that united diverse regions, castes, and languages.
BJP’s Cultural Turn: The Vande Mataram 150 Campaign
In a politically charged environment ahead of the next assembly elections, the BJP is aligning itself with Bengal’s cultural renaissance — positioning “Vande Mataram” as both a cultural emblem and a political tool.
According to party insiders, the BJP plans to launch a year-long commemorative campaign under the banner “Vande Mataram @150: Ek Bharat, Ek Ma” — focusing on historical storytelling, public concerts, academic symposia, and mass cultural gatherings across the state.
These events will be held in collaboration with local educational institutions, art societies, and community organizations. The BJP’s cultural wing, Sanskar Bharati, along with the BJP Yuva Morcha and Mahila Morcha, are leading the preparations.
Party strategists view this as an opportunity to reclaim Bengal’s intellectual heritage, which the BJP says has been “hijacked by political elitism” and “secular distortion.”
BJP Strategic Move: Targeting Bengal’s Youth and Middle Class
With rising discontent among Bengal’s young population over unemployment and migration, the BJP is attempting to channel cultural pride into political consciousness.
Amit Malviya, BJP’s co-in-charge for Bengal, recently hinted at this strategy, saying:
“Vande Mataram is not just a song; it’s an emotion that defines India’s soul. Bengal gave this hymn to the nation, and it’s time the state reclaims its pride.”
Events are being planned at colleges in Kolkata, Howrah, Burdwan, Siliguri, and Midnapore, where youth wings will organize essay competitions, musical recitals, and street performances centered around the theme of “Mother India.”
The BJP’s social media teams are also preparing a digital campaign titled #VandeMataram150, aimed at celebrating Bengal’s cultural contributions and connecting them to the party’s national vision of “Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat.”
Historical Symbolism and Political Appropriation
Political observers argue that the BJP’s renewed focus on “Vande Mataram” mirrors its cultural nationalism strategy, which blends history, faith, and politics. The party has used similar symbolic campaigns before — for example, the Ram Janmabhoomi movement and the Sardar Patel Unity Run — to consolidate cultural sentiments under a unified national identity.
In Bengal, however, the move has a deeper context. The state is home to a rich syncretic tradition, but it also has deep divisions along religious and linguistic lines. By invoking “Vande Mataram,” which represents devotion to the motherland in divine form, the BJP is appealing to Hindu cultural consciousness while maintaining a patriotic tone.
Political scientist Dr. Sumanta Banerjee commented:
“This is not just cultural revivalism — it’s cultural politics. By reviving ‘Vande Mataram,’ the BJP is trying to embed its nationalist agenda in Bengal’s cultural bloodstream.”
TMC’s Counter-Response
The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has dismissed the BJP’s campaign as an “attempt to politicize Bengal’s literary heritage.”
A senior TMC leader stated:
“Bankim Chandra’s Vande Mataram belongs to Bengal and to India, not to any one political party. The BJP is using culture as a mask for communal politics.”
The state government is reportedly planning its own official celebration of the song’s anniversary under the Department of Information and Culture, focusing on “inclusive patriotism.”
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has in the past quoted both Rabindranath Tagore and Bankim Chandra, emphasizing Bengal’s plural identity and composite nationalism — positioning herself as the custodian of Bengal’s cultural integrity.
Symbolism of ‘Mother’ and Political Messaging
The imagery of the Mother Goddess (Bharat Mata) — central to the song — resonates deeply with Hindu nationalist discourse. BJP leaders argue that Bharat Mata is a symbol of devotion and sacrifice, not of exclusion.
However, secular groups and minority organizations have often expressed concern that religious symbolism in political campaigns can alienate certain sections of society.
Sociologist Prof. Arpita Ray observes:
“For the BJP, invoking Vande Mataram serves dual purposes — it legitimizes cultural nationalism and allows emotional mobilization without overtly religious language.”
Grassroots Mobilization: Temples, Schools, and Community Centers
The BJP’s organizational units in Nadia, Hooghly, and North 24 Parganas have already begun outreach activities through schools and local temples, where they plan to host “Vande Mataram Melas.” These events will feature:
- Cultural performances of patriotic songs and dances
- Book exhibitions showcasing Bankim Chandra’s works
- Talks by historians and spiritual leaders
- Flag-hoisting ceremonies emphasizing unity and discipline
Party workers are instructed to integrate local icons — such as Rishi Aurobindo, Subhas Chandra Bose, and Sister Nivedita — into the narrative, linking Bengal’s cultural evolution with the BJP’s ideology of “Rashtra Dharma” (national duty).
Linking Heritage to Modern Identity
The BJP’s campaign narrative will highlight how Bengal’s 19th-century renaissance laid the foundation for modern India. Party literature describes Bankim Chandra, Vivekananda, and Tagore as “the spiritual architects of New India.”
“The 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram is not a party event; it’s a national duty,” said BJP MP Sukanta Majumdar. “When Bengal remembers its heroes, it also remembers its responsibility to lead India’s cultural future.”
This positioning is designed to bridge the gap between cultural pride and political loyalty — projecting the BJP as the true heir of Bengal’s historical legacy.
Academic and Cultural Collaborations
In a bid to add intellectual depth to the campaign, the BJP has reached out to universities and cultural institutions to co-host seminars on “The Relevance of Vande Mataram in Modern India.”
Several professors from Jadavpur University, Visva-Bharati, and Ramakrishna Mission institutions are expected to participate, though many have voiced concerns about political influence in cultural spaces.
An internal BJP document seen by sources outlines plans for:
- Research fellowships on Bankim Chandra’s works
- Digital archives of “Vande Mataram” manuscripts
- Translations into 22 Indian languages for wider dissemination
Opposition Concerns: Fear of Cultural Homogenization
Critics argue that by re-framing Bengal’s cultural symbols under a nationalistic lens, the BJP risks homogenizing diverse traditions. Bengal’s unique identity has historically balanced religious diversity and linguistic pride, and critics warn that politicizing its icons may erode that pluralism.
Political commentator Indrajit Basu noted:
“Every time a political party monopolizes cultural memory, it limits the space for dialogue. Bengal’s strength lies in debate and dissent — not uniformity.”
Impact on 2026 Assembly Elections
Analysts see the Vande Mataram 150 campaign as an early soft launch for BJP’s 2026 Bengal assembly strategy.
By celebrating Bengal’s cultural icons and invoking patriotic nostalgia, the BJP aims to connect with first-time voters and middle-class families who feel alienated by ideological polarization.
Party insiders confirm that the campaign will culminate in a massive rally in Kolkata, expected to be addressed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2026 — projected as the “Mother India Maha Sammelan.”
Cultural Revival or Political Appropriation?
The BJP’s campaign raises an important question: Can cultural revival remain apolitical in a state as politically charged as Bengal?
Some argue that political engagement with heritage is inevitable. Others warn that when culture becomes a political battlefield, it risks losing its universality.
“Vande Mataram” once united a nation against colonialism; today, it stands at the intersection of faith, identity, and power.
Conclusion: Bengal’s Soul Between Heritage and Politics
As Bengal prepares to mark 150 years of Vande Mataram, the celebration reflects both the glory of its cultural legacy and the complexity of its modern politics.
For the BJP, the song is a bridge between spiritual nationalism and electoral aspiration. For others, it’s a reminder to keep culture beyond party lines.
Either way, the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram has reignited conversations about what it means to love one’s country — through history, language, and the eternal invocation:
“Vande Mataram — I bow to thee, Mother.”
🔗 External Reference Links (Official & Scholarly Sources)
- Government of India – National Portal on Cultural Heritage: https://indiaculture.gov.in
- Election Commission of India: https://eci.gov.in
- National Archives of India: https://nationalarchives.nic.in
- Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay Biography – Sahitya Akademi: https://sahitya-akademi.gov.in
- Ministry of Education – Indian Freedom Movement Resources: https://www.education.gov.in
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