Agartala, 16th August 2026 : Tripura Chief Minister Prof. Dr. Manik Saha on Sunday criticised the Congress over its position on Vande Mataram, stressing the song’s enduring importance in India’s freedom movement and its role in inspiring patriotism and sacrifice.
Speaking to the media, Saha said some Congress leaders appeared to have an inadequate understanding of the historical significance of ‘Vande Mataram’. He also referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s efforts to highlight the 150th anniversary of the national song, saying the initiative has helped draw attention to its historic contribution to the freedom struggle.
The Chief Minister said ‘Vande Mataram’ had served as a source of inspiration for people during the independence movement. It, he said, instilled courage, patriotism and a willingness to make sacrifices for the nation.
Saha also took a swipe at the Congress over the functioning of the Opposition in Parliament. While acknowledging that every elected representative has the right to participate in parliamentary proceedings, he said important national issues should be discussed meaningfully instead of Parliament becoming a platform for disruptions and political confrontation.
He said repeated disruptions and protests could lead to dissatisfaction among ordinary citizens and influence public perception of the political parties involved.
On the issue of youth empowerment, Saha said human resources remain one of Tripura’s most valuable assets. He stressed the need to expand opportunities for students and job seekers preparing for competitive examinations.
The Chief Minister said free, technology-driven online examination facilities could provide young aspirants with valuable opportunities to test their preparation and improve their performance. He said such initiatives would help strengthen the state’s human resource base and enable Tripura’s youth to play a greater role in the state’s development.
