Yogi Adityanath calls refusal to sing Vande Mataram 'treason', slams Opposition

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday described opposition to Vande Mataram and derogatory remarks against national symbols as acts "no less than treason", launching a sharp attack on the Samajwadi Party and the Congress during the Budget Session of the Legislative Council.

Intervening in the discussion on the Governor's address, Adityanath said statements supporting "anti-national elements" or belittling symbols of national pride could not be tolerated.

"You see how statements are made in support of anti-national elements or derogatory comments are passed against symbols of national pride. This is nothing short of treason," the Chief Minister said.

Referring to instances where members allegedly refused to stand for Vande Mataram, he questioned how parties that invoke the Constitution could at the same time object to the National Song.

"I want to ask the Samajwadi Party and Congress - on one hand you mislead the public in the name of the Constitution, and on the other, your members say they will not stand for Vande Mataram. What does it mean? You want to live in India but have a problem with the national anthem and national song? This cannot be accepted," he said.

Furthermore, Adityanath noted that the Constituent Assembly accorded recognition to Vande Mataram on January 24, 1950, and said it represents India's pride and honour. "Every citizen has a duty to respect national symbols, including the Tricolour, the national anthem, the national song and national icons," he added.

Adityanath also thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for issuing a notification mandating the National Song at public functions, and said opposing it amounted to disrespecting the Constitution and its framers, including BR Ambedkar.

The Centre is currently marking 150 years of Vande Mataram and has issued fresh guidelines in this regard.

Turning to governance, Adityanath said Uttar Pradesh had undergone significant transformation over the past nine years, aligned with changes at the national level over the past 11 years.

He described the state's progress as a "Triveni of technology, trust and transportation", claiming that decisive leadership and policy clarity replaced what he called "policy paralysis" and administrative instability before 2017.

According to him, welfare initiatives, investment promotion, employment drives and social security measures under the BJP's "double-engine government" had made Uttar Pradesh safer, more self-reliant and an attractive investment destination. He alleged that prior to 2017, criminals operated with political patronage and parallel systems thrived.

"The state which was once known as 'upadrav pradesh' (state of anarchy) has now become 'utsav pradesh' (state of celebration)," he said, adding that Uttar Pradesh had shifted from a "fear zone to a faith zone," with no recurrence of what he termed a "curfew culture".

He also criticised the Opposition's conduct in the House, alleging that certain actions were 'indecorous' and disrespected a constitutional office, particularly when held by a woman.

"It was the collective responsibility of all members to respect constitutional arrangements and offices and not indulge in conduct that sends a wrong message to future generations," Adityanath said.

- Ends

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