Ashok RainaDharamshala, Aug. 20 -- Former Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister and former union Minister Shanta Kumar on Thursday said it was unfortunate and a matter of concern that the national song Vande Mataram, which inspired millions of Indians during the freedom struggle, had become a subject of controversy 80 years after Independence.

Shanta Kumar said Vande Mataram had served as a powerful mantra of the freedom movement and inspired crores of Indians to join the struggle for Independence.

He alleged that the Congress had now turned the song into a subject of controversy.

He said historical records showed that until 1937, Vande Mataram was sung in its entirety, including by Congress leaders.

According to him, opposition to the song w...