Nadda Questions Nehru’s Authority on National Anthem in Rajya Sabha

In a discussion in the Rajya Sabha, Leader of the House and BJP chief JP Nadda raised questions regarding the adoption of Jana Gana Mana as India’s national anthem.

Nadda said that a member of the Constituent Assembly had once asked Home Minister Sardar Patel about the steps being taken regarding the national anthem.

“Pandit Nehru replied to the letter, claiming that he alone was making all decisions on the matter. This revealed to the public that India’s Cabinet, led by Nehru, had already decided to adopt Jana Gana Mana, even without the Constituent Assembly’s formal approval,” Nadda stated.

He further questioned the constitutional validity of the move, asking, “Under what authority did Nehru present Jana Gana Mana as India’s national anthem at the United Nations? At the time, he was not an elected Prime Minister, nor had the Constituent Assembly officially authorized the anthem. From where did he adopt this practice of first presenting the national anthem abroad and then seeking acceptance at home?”

The remarks sparked debate in the House over the historical process of adopting India’s national symbols and the role of early post-independence leaders in shaping them.

Also Read: Winter Session: Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha Set to Resume at 11 AM After Repeated Adjournments