Agartala, Aug. 22 -- Tripura's Animal Resources Development Department (ARDD) Minister Sudhanshu Das made a strong appeal to Sanatani Hindus and nationalist sections of society to reconsider their association with the Congress party, alleging that the party has moved away from India's cultural heritage and is engaging in "appeasement and vote-bank politics" over the issue of Vande Mataram.

Speaking to ANI, Das said Vande Mataram is not merely a song but had served as a "mantra" and a powerful source of inspiration during India's freedom struggle, helping awaken patriotic sentiment and unite people against British rule.

He recalled that Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay wrote Vande Mataram in 1875 and that it was subsequently published in his...