‘Italian blood’: Kumaraswamy’s fresh attack on Sonia Gandhi escalates Vande Mataram row

The Vande Mataram controversy has intensified into a larger political dispute, with Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy intensifying his criticism of Congress leader Sonia Gandhi and questioning her Indian identity. On Monday, Kumaraswamy questioned her nationality, stating that her Italian heritage is evident. The Congress responded sharply, with Karnataka Minister Rizwan Arshad dismissing Kumaraswamy as "frustrated" and defending Sonia Gandhi, claiming she is more Indian than many Indians.

Arshad highlighted her husband's sacrifice for the nation and her fight for a united, just India. Kumaraswamy reiterated his remarks on Tuesday, asking what Sonia Gandhi herself has sacrificed and asserting her Italian roots. The dispute emerged after the BJP alleged Sonia Gandhi objected to the full rendition of Vande Mataram at a Congress Independence Day event on August 15.

The Congress denied the claim, stating she was merely requesting a chair for Rajiv Gandhi's son, Rajiv. The controversy has broadened, with BJP leaders accusing the Congress of undermining their role in India's freedom struggle and demanding an apology from Sonia Gandhi.