{
  "id": 1288247,
  "title": "Complaint filed against Sonia, Rahul Gandhi over disrespect to Vande Mataram",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/16/complaint-filed-against-sonia-rahul-gandhi-over-disrespect-to-vande",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-16T14:46:26.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Hindustan Times",
    "slug": "hindustan-times",
    "url": "https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/complaint-filed-against-sonia-rahul-gandhi-over-disrespect-to-vande-mataram-101786891586721.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "A complaint has been lodged against Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi for allegedly showing disrespect towards the National Song, Vande Mataram, during the flag hosting ceremony on Independence Day at the party's headquarters. Lawyers Kunal Vinayak and Shubh Sharma filed the complaint, alleging that Sonia Gandhi made gestures and communicated with individuals in a manner that appeared to object to the continuation of the song's rendition. The complaint also claims that Sonia Gandhi objected to the complete rendition of Vande Mataram. Rahul Gandhi, on the other hand, can be seen in footage stating, \"We are not singing Vande Mataram,\" raising concerns about the duo's intentions towards the National Song and its dignity. The Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026, expands protective measures to include the National Song alongside the National Anthem. Under the amended law, anyone who intentionally disrupts the singing of the National Anthem or Song or causes disturbance to such a gathering could face up to three years in prison, a fine, or both. Union Home Minister Amit Shah had previously criticized the Congress for \"forgetting Vande Mataram out of greed for vote banks\" based on the same video. BJP leader Amit Malviya echoed similar allegations. However, the Congress party denies any wrongdoing, stating that Sonia Gandhi's actions were not related to the National Song played at the venue.",
  "summary": "Earlier, today, Union home minister Amit Shah at a rally in Chittorgarh said, “The Congress forgot Vande Mataram out of greed for vote banks”",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 4,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The Hindu",
        "title": "Full version of Vande Mataram: What are the rules for rendition of National Song",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/14/full-version-of-vande-mataram-what-are-the-rules-for-rendition-of",
        "published": "2026-08-14T14:02:26.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Hindustan Times",
        "title": "BJP accuses Sonia Gandhi of unease during Vande Mataram at Independence Day event, Congress reacts",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/15/bjp-accuses-sonia-gandhi-of-unease-during-vande-mataram-at",
        "published": "2026-08-15T09:56:51.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "The Indian Express",
        "title": "BJP accuses Sonia Gandhi of objecting to Vande Mataram recitation, Congress denies",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/15/bjp-accuses-sonia-gandhi-of-objecting-to-vande-mataram-recitation",
        "published": "2026-08-15T23:05:11.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}