Thiruvananthapuram, Oct. 8 -- Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP C Sadanandan Master on Thursday backed Keralam Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar's remarks on the protest against a seminar marking the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram, asserting that the national song is the "soul" of the country and alleging a conspiracy behind opposition to it.

Speaking to reporters, Sadanandan Master said Vande Mataram played a significant role in India's freedom struggle and inspired freedom fighters in their fight against British rule.

"What our Governor told us is absolutely correct. Vande Mataram is not merely a patriotic song; it is the soul of our country. Our freedom fighters came forward to fight for the freedom of our country. They sacrific...