ADVERTISEMENTHe said Vande Mataram, composed by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee in 1875, inspired generations of freedom fighters and should be respected above political considerations. “Respect for national symbols should be above politics,” Rai said, alleging that opposition to the bill amounted to disrespecting the country’s honour. Participating in the debate, BJP MP Radha Mohan Das Agrawal said Vande Mataram had inspired India’s freedom movement and alleged that it had been repeatedly insulted over the years. Biju Janata Dal member Sulata Deo suggested that Vande Mataram should be played in Parliament and all state legislatures, while Aam Aadmi Party MP Sanjay Singh said his party supported protecting both the national song and the national anthem from insult. Its passage comes after more than a week of legislative disruptions triggered by Opposition protests over the alleged NEET paper leak and subsequent police action against demonstrators.