Union Home Minister Amit Shah Attacks Congress Over Vande Mataram Row, Demands Apology

Jaipur: The political rift between the BJP and Congress deepened on Sunday over the alleged disruption of the complete rendition of Vande Mataram during the Independence Day function at the Congress headquarters in New Delhi. Union Home Minister Amit Shah harshly criticized Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge, accusing them of "forgetting" Vande Mataram in their pursuit of vote-bank politics.

Shah asserted that the national anthem was disrespected during the party's Independence Day ceremonies. "Look at their shamelessness," Shah declared, referring to the Congress Party's actions during the rendition of Vande Mataram at its headquarters. He alleged that Sonia Gandhi had instructed Congress President Kharge to halt the singing of the anthem.

"If they have any shame left, they should apologize with folded hands to the immortal soul of Bankim Babu and the people," Shah stated, invoking the author of Vande Mataram, Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay. Shah demanded an apology from the Congress leadership for the incident, which was captured on video and circulated on social media following Independence Day celebrations on August 15.

The controversy emerged after the video surfaced, showing Sonia Gandhi gesturing towards Kharge while the anthem was being sung. BJP leaders interpreted the gestures as an attempt to halt the singing of Vande Mataram, sparking a backlash against the Congress. Shah also connected the controversy to the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram, criticizing the Congress for failing to recognize the song's significance as Prime Minister Narendra Modi sought to revive its importance from the Red Fort.

Earlier on Sunday, Shah inaugurated a statue of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee in Chittorgarh on his death anniversary. He also laid the foundation stones for several development projects of the Rajasthan government.