Congress rejects Shah’s Vande Mataram charge, calls it a ‘political diversion’
The Congress party has rejected allegations by Union Home Minister Amit Shah that they disrespected the national song 'Vande Mataram' during Independence Day celebrations. Congress leaders described the incident as a communication misunderstanding and accused the BJP of manufacturing a political controversy.
Why it matters
This exchange underscores the highly polarized nature of Indian politics, where national symbols are frequently used as tools for partisan debate.
The Congress on Sunday (August 16, 2026) strongly rebutted Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s charge that the party had insulted the National Song Vande Mataram , asserting that it has always respected the song and accusing the BJP of trying to manufacture a political controversy.
The fresh exchange came a day after a row erupted during Independence Day celebrations at the All India Congress Committee (AICC) headquarters in New Delhi, where Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi was seen gesturing towards party president Mallikarjun Kharge while Vande Mataram was being sung.
Addressing a public gathering in Chittorgarh, Rajasthan, Mr. Shah accused the Congress of disrespecting the National Song and demanded an apology from the party. Referring to a footage from the Independence Day function, he alleged that Ms. Gandhi had asked the Congress president to stop the song midway.
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