Karti Chidambaram defends Congress' national song stance, hits back at BJP

Madurai: Congress MP Karti P Chidambaram on Monday strongly defended his party's position on the rendition of 'Vande Mataram', asserting that the Congress has a "long legacy of nationalism and patriotism" and does not need lessons from the BJP.

Speaking to reporters, Karti criticised the BJP for "casting aspersions" on the party 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.


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Responding to criticism over the decision to sing only two stanzas of 'Vande Mataram', he said, "The BJP must read the history... the decision was taken collectively by stalwarts like Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Vallabhbhai Patel, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, all in their collective wisdom decided that only two stanzas would be appropriate and adequate to have us a national song."

On ardent fans pitching actor-turned-politician and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay for the post of prime minister, Karti said that securing the top post requires the backing of 272 MPs.

"Any political formation that secures this number will see its leader become Prime Minister," he added.

Asked about actor Dhanush's expected entry into politics, he briefly replied, "I don't watch his movies".

On the contentious Mekedatu dam issue and its implications for Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, Karti stressed the need to ensure that Tamil Nadu receives its due share of Cauvery water every year, in accordance with the Cauvery Management Board.

Karti also expressed deep concern over ongoing custodial deaths and honour killings.

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He attributed custodial deaths to the "mindset of the police", alleging that the force continues to behave like a "colonial force" and uses brutal and third-degree interrogation methods.

He called for a complete overhaul of the police training manual, along with psychological and sensitivity training for personnel ranging from constables to the Director General of Police (DGP).

Describing honour killings as a social issue, Karti said political and non-political parties must raise awareness. He said the practice can only be ended by fostering amicable relationships within society and negating caste.

Karti also proposed an alternative to the Chief Minister's announcement on personal vehicles for MLAs. He suggested a system similar to Delhi's parliamentary pool, which ferries MPs who do not have their own cars.