Bankim descendant seeks Sonia apology over ‘Vande Mataram’ row

NEW DELHI: A conflict over the complete singing of Vande Mataram at Congress headquarters during Independence Day has taken on a Bankim Chandra Chatterjee connection, with BJP’s Naihati MLA Sumitro Chatterjee, a direct descendant of the song's author, addressing a letter to Sonia Gandhi on Saturday demanding a full apology. This issue arose after a video from the Congress's August 15 event depicted Sonia gesturing and addressing Mallikarjun Kharge as the full Vande Mataram was being sung.

BJP members pointed fingers, claiming she was attempting to halt the rendition after the initial verses. Congress rejected these accusations, asserting Sonia was only asking for a chair for Kharge, who had been standing for a while. In his Hindi letter, Sumitro expressed deep pain and anguish over the incident, alleging that Sonia's body language indicated unease and impatience while trying to stop the song.

He highlighted the song's significance in the freedom struggle, referencing figures like Sri Aurobindo, Khudiram Bose, Bipin Chandra Pal, and Bal Gangadhar Tilak. He argued that Vande Mataram is not owned by any political party, but represents the nation's collective memory and a sacred symbol, sanctified by the sacrifice of countless martyrs.

Sumitro questioned the hesitation and discomfort surrounding the song at Congress headquarters, and requested Sonia to provide an unconditional and public apology.