‘Insult to Bankim Chandra’: Suvendu Adhikari targets Sonia Gandhi over Vande Mataram video
West Bengal's Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari launched a scathing critique of Congress leader Sonia Gandhi on Sunday, alleging disrespect towards India's national song Vande Mataram during Independence Day celebrations. Adhikari demanded a full apology from Gandhi, threatening nationwide protests if one wasn't forthcoming. The incident occurred at Congress headquarters in Delhi, where Gandhi objected to the full rendition of Vande Mataram, a video that went viral.
West Bengal reveres Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay as their national literature luminary, and Adhikari condemned the act as an insult to this revered figure. He emphasized that his government mandates the morning recitation of Vande Mataram in all state schools. Adhikari accused the Congress of appeasement politics to mollify a specific voter base.
The BJP's youth wing pledged a protest in Kolkata, marching from Esplanade to Moulali. The Congress dismissed the allegations, stating Gandhi merely sought a chair for Mallikarjun Kharge, who had been standing uncomfortably long.
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