Pune, Aug. 23 -- Senior Congress leader Nana Patole criticised the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in centre for its attempt to deflect public attention from pressing issues and refuted claims that Congress opposed Vande Mataram.

Speaking to reporters here, the Congress leader expressed strong disapproval of the intensifying political dispute surrounding the national song, alleging that political rivals are deliberately stoking nationalist narratives to cover up their failures.

"The government is using nationalism to hide its failures. They are also trying to divert attention from other issues. Congress never opposed Vande Mataram. They are doing unnecessary politics," Patole said.

On the other hand, as Congress leader Rahul Gandhi...