Nagpur, Aug. 18 -- Amid the escalating row over the recitation of Vande Mataram, Maharashtra Congress President Nana Patole on Tuesday launched a sharp attack on the BJP, questioning its credentials to speak on patriotism and urging the government to focus on farmers, youth and national security instead.

Speaking to ANI, he said the BJP had no right to lecture the Congress on patriotism.

Targeting the BJP, he added, "What should BJP say? They haven't taught us patriotism. Those who were with the British during the independence struggle, they will teach us patriotism? And so BJP shouldn't teach us more patriotism. First, look within yourself and the first issue is that today the questions before our country are those of the farmers, of t...