Controversy unfortunate, says Atal

Terming the controversy over the rendition of Vande Mataram as 8220;unfortunate8221;, former PM and senior BJP leader Atal Bihari Vajpayee today said the National Song was not aimed at idol worship and all Indians should sing it.

8220;The song is a symbol of devotion towards the motherland. It is unfortunate that Vande Mataram has been made a subject of controversy. This controversy should end now,8221; Vajpayee said addressing BJP workers gathered at the party headquarters here to recite the song.

The senior BJP leader led the gathering, which included a number of Muslims and Sikhs, in singing Vande Mataram to commemorate 100 years of its adoption as the national song. 8220;We do not aim at idol worship through rendition of Vande Mataram8230; When we say 8216;vande8217;, it does not mean that we are performing a 8216;puja8217;. It is about bowing before our motherland and showing respect towards her. There should not be any doubt about this,8221; he said.