BJP, Congress Clash Over Sonia’s Vande Mataram Gesture
A political row erupted during the Congress’s Independence Day celebrations after the BJP accused Sonia Gandhi of objecting to the full rendition of Vande Mataram. The Congress rejected the allegation, saying Gandhi was instead asking organisers to arrange a chair for party president Mallikarjun Kharge.
BJP Accuses Sonia Gandhi Over Vande Mataram
The controversy followed the circulation of video footage from the Congress headquarters at Indira Bhawan in New Delhi, where the complete version of Vande Mataram was being played.
BJP leaders alleged that Sonia Gandhi appeared agitated after the initial stanzas and questioned why the rendition was continuing. They also accused senior Congress leaders of conversing and gesturing while the National Song was being played.
The BJP demanded an explanation and accused the Congress leadership of showing disrespect towards Vande Mataram.
Congress Denies Attempt to Stop National Song
Congress strongly rejected the BJP’s interpretation of the video.
Party general secretary Jairam Ramesh said there was no attempt to stop Vande Mataram. He explained that Kharge had been standing for a considerable period and Sonia Gandhi was asking a Congress worker to bring him a chair.
The party maintained that the conversation captured in the footage was entirely related to Kharge’s seating arrangement.
Vande Mataram Row Sparks Political Clash
The dispute comes amid heightened political debate over the full rendition of Vande Mataram following recent changes concerning the National Song.
BJP leaders have increasingly targeted Congress over its approach to Vande Mataram, while Congress has accused the ruling party of politicising national symbols.
The latest episode has added another flashpoint to the broader confrontation between the two parties.
