BJP says Sonia Gandhi opposed singing of full Vande Mataram, demands apology; Congress rejects charge
A political controversy has erupted after the BJP accused Congress leaders of disrespecting the national song 'Vande Mataram' during an Independence Day event. The Congress party has rejected these allegations, stating the interaction was about providing a chair for the party president.
Why it matters
Reflects the intense political polarization and symbolic battles over national identity in India.
The rendition of the full six stanzas of Vande Mataram at the headquarters of the Indian National Congress triggered a controversy on Saturday (August 15, 2026) after the Congress Parliamentary Party (CPP) chairperson Sonia Gandhi was seen gesturing during the song, prompting the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to allege that she had tried to stop it, while the Congress denied the charge.
Bankim Chandra's descendant seeks Sonia Gandhi's apology over 'Vande Mataram' row
At a ceremony to hoist the national flag at Indira Bhawan here, Ms. Gandhi was seen gesturing towards Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge while the national song was being sung. A Seva Dal volunteer then approached the CPP chairperson and spoke to her.
Subsequently, Ms. Gandhi and the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi were seen having an animated discussion with Seva Dal chief B.V. Srinivas, and his predecessor Lalji Desai.
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