The Rajya Sabha on Wednesday passed a bill criminalising insults to the national song, Vande Mataram. The bill, which was introduced in the Rajya Sabha on Friday, seeks to accord Vande Mataram the same statutory protection as the national anthem, Jana Gana Mana. Rai said that “Vande Mataram” were the last words uttered by several freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives during the independence movement. “One cannot understand the Congress’ opposition to Vande Mataram,” PTI quoted the minister as saying. The Union government is commemorating the 150th year of Vande Mataram.