Chennai, July 31 -- BJP spokesperson CR Kesavan on Friday welcomed the passage of the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026, in both Houses of Parliament, saying the legislation gives statutory protection to the national song Vande Mataram and accusing those opposing it of "assaulting national unity".

"Our profound gratitude to PM Modi for this historic bill, which has given statutory protection and honour to our national song Vande Mataram, similar to our national anthem, our constitution and our national flag. Anybody opposing this bill, like DMK and other parties, is assaulting national unity, and these forces are also disrespecting and dishonouring generations of selfless sacrifices by our freedom fighters w...