A political controversy has erupted after the Rajya Sabha Secretariat reiterated long-standing rules on parliamentary decorum, advising members to refrain from raising expressions such as “Vande Mataram” and “Jai Hind” during proceedings. The reminder has drawn sharp reactions from Opposition leaders, who accused the BJP-led NDA of being uneasy with symbols associated with India’s independence and unity.
The issue stems from a memorandum circulated by the Rajya Sabha Secretariat on November 24 ahead of the upcoming parliamentary session. The note reminded Members of Parliament to strictly adhere to established norms governing the conduct and seriousness of proceedings. Referring to parliamentary bulletins, the Secretariat stated that decorum requires slogans or expressions like “Thanks”, “Thank you”, “Jai Hind”, “Vande Mataram”, or any similar slogans not to be raised inside the House.
The reminder triggered political pushback, particularly from Opposition parties, who questioned the intent behind reiterating the rule. Samajwadi Party spokesperson Abbas Haider alleged that opposition to such expressions reflects a deeper discomfort with the country’s freedom movement and national unity. He said that earlier organisations associated with the current ruling dispensation had supported British rule, making the objection to slogans of national pride unsurprising in his view.
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Arvind Sawant also reacted strongly, asserting that citizens have an unquestionable right to say “Vande Mataram”. Emphasising freedom of expression, he maintained that such phrases are integral to national identity and cannot be restricted outside the technical framework of parliamentary conduct.
Independent MP from Purnea, Pappu Yadav, framed the controversy as one of personal liberty. He said that individuals are free to use expressions such as “Vande Mataram” or “Jai Hind” according to their own beliefs, adding that if something is constitutionally permitted within government functioning, there should be no issue.
Leaders from the ruling party, while acknowledging the existence of parliamentary rules, questioned the political interpretation being attached to the reminder. Uttar Pradesh Minister Jaiveer Singh said that expressions of national pride, whether through patriotic slogans or songs, should never be controversial. He added that respect for the nation is directly linked to national dignity and should not be politicised.
Maharashtra BJP MLA Sanjay Upadhyay also stated that while rules may govern where and when such slogans are uttered, there is no ban on saying “Vande Mataram” anywhere in the country. He emphasised that slogans expressing devotion to the nation remain an essential part of India’s patriotic ethos.
The renewed debate has brought parliamentary decorum and freedom of expression into focus once again, underscoring tensions between procedural discipline inside the House and the broader political symbolism attached to national slogans.
