Mumbai, Aug. 1 -- Shiv Sena (UBT) senior leader and MP Sanjay Raut on Saturday launched a sharp attack on the Centre over the passage of the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, alleging that Prime Minister Narendra Modi "insulted Vande Mataram" by remaining absent from Parliament during discussions on the legislation.

Speaking to ANI in Mumbai, Raut questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi's absence from Parliament during discussions on the bill.

"It has been 150 years since Vande Mataram was composed. The PM claims to be such a patriot--even though he had no role in the freedom struggle--yet he convened a special two-day parliamentary session specifically to discuss Vande Mataram. If you are such a patriot and if ...