Tripura Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) president Asish Kumar Saha on Sunday accused the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of using the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram as a political tool to divert public attention from its alleged governance failures and growing public discontent.

Speaking to reporters after attending an organizational meeting at the Pradesh Congress Bhawan, Saha claimed that the BJP had launched the Vande Mataram celebrations as a distraction amid increasing protests against its policies.

“The BJP is following the path of the Hindu Mahasabha and the RSS. These organizations had no role in India’s freedom struggle — they never fought for independence but instead collaborated with the British,” Saha alleged. “By disrespecting leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru and Mahatma Gandhi, they are insulting the spirit of the freedom movement.”

He, however, acknowledged the historical importance of Vande Mataram and its author, Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay. “His contribution to literature and the freedom movement is immense. The Congress Party has always shown respect for such contributions,” Saha said.

Criticizing the BJP government, Saha claimed that since the party came to power, unemployment has surged, the economy has weakened, and people across the country are facing hardship.

“Public dissatisfaction is growing. The BJP has misused the Election Commission and manipulated voter lists to win elections,” he alleged. “Now, by celebrating 150 years of Vande Mataram, they are trying to create divisions and divert attention from protests against their misrule. Everyone already values Vande Mataram — there is nothing new to learn about its dignity. But the BJP is exploiting it politically. We strongly condemn this.”

Regarding the organizational meeting, the TPCC chief said it was a routine internal review session with party leaders. “We aim to complete the formation of all organizational structures, especially booth committees, by December 31. I am confident our leaders will work sincerely to strengthen the Congress at the grassroots level,” he added.