MADURAI, Aug 24: Congress MP Karti P Chidambaram on Monday defended his party’s position on the rendition of Vande Mataram, asserting that the Congress has a long history of nationalism and patriotism and does not need lessons from the BJP.
Speaking to reporters in Madurai, Karti rejected criticism of the Congress for singing only two stanzas of the national song.
“We are nationalists. We come from a party which has a long legacy of nationalism and patriotism. So the BJP need not cast any aspersions on us,” he said.
Congress cites history behind two-stanza rendition
Responding to questions about the party’s decision to sing two stanzas, Karti said the approach was based on a historical decision involving several prominent leaders of the freedom movement.
He referred to Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, saying they had collectively concluded that two stanzas were appropriate for the national song.
The Congress leader accused the BJP of overlooking this historical context while questioning his party’s position.
Karti comments on Tamil Nadu politics
Asked about supporters projecting actor-turned-politician and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay as a potential prime ministerial candidate, Karti said the country’s top executive post ultimately depends on parliamentary numbers.
He said any political formation securing the support of at least 272 MPs would be in a position to have its leader become prime minister.
On reports that actor Dhanush could enter politics, Karti gave a brief response, saying he did not watch the actor’s films.
Cauvery water issue raised
Karti also spoke about the proposed Mekedatu dam and its potential implications for Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.
He stressed that Tamil Nadu must receive its allocated share of Cauvery water consistently each year in accordance with the decisions of the Cauvery Management Board.
Calls for police reforms
The Congress MP expressed concern over custodial deaths and alleged that the problem was linked to a continuing colonial mindset within sections of the police force.
He argued that police training should undergo a comprehensive overhaul, with psychological and sensitivity training introduced at every level, from constables to senior officers.
On honour killings, Karti described the practice as a social problem requiring sustained awareness efforts involving both political and non-political organisations.
He said reducing caste divisions and encouraging greater social harmony were essential to addressing the issue.
Suggests vehicle pool for legislators
Karti also proposed an alternative to the Tamil Nadu government’s plan concerning personal vehicles for MLAs.
He suggested adopting a system similar to the parliamentary pool in Delhi, where shared vehicles are made available to MPs who do not have their own cars, instead of providing individual vehicles.