Srinagar: A fresh political dispute has emerged between the Congress and its ally, the National Conference (NC), in Jammu and Kashmir over the singing of the full version of Vande Mataram at an official event, with the BJP backing the NC and the PDP stressing constitutional freedom.&nbsp;Congress General Secretary K C Venugopal opposed the singing of the full version, saying the shorter version was adopted during the freedom struggle to preserve the song’s inclusive and secular character. He urged allies to respect the understanding reached by the freedom movement’s leaders.&nbsp;J&amp;K Congress chief Tariq Hameed Karra endorsed the view, saying national symbols should unite India’s diverse population. He argued that the issue was not about patriotism but about the constitutional ethos governing its expression.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="http://wionews.com/world/us-strikes-iranian-tankers-after-missile-attack-attempts-on-warship-irgc-vows-to-retaliate-1788902833158">US strikes Iranian tankers after missile attack attempts on warship; IRGC vows to retaliate</a>&nbsp;The NC, however, maintained that its position had not changed. The party’s chief spokesperson Tanvir Sadiq said the party had neither adopted the two-stanza nor the six-stanza version, while insisting that there should be no compulsion on anyone to sing the song.&nbsp;Sadiq said that if Parliament had made the full version mandatory at government programmes, it had to be followed. He also questioned why Congress was targeting the NC when Congress chief ministers in other states had participated in programmes where the full song was sung.&nbsp;The BJP welcomed the NC’s stand. Party spokesperson Altaf Thakur praised Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and NC president Farooq Abdullah for standing during the entire national song, calling it a strong message to their INDIA bloc ally, Congress.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-brics-flex-its-collective-clout-at-florida-g20-act-as-bloc-within-a-bloc-1788897945720">Will BRICS emerge as bloc within a bloc at Florida G20, flex its growing clout?</a>&nbsp;The PDP took a constitutional line. Its chief spokesperson Syed Tajamul Islam said standing or remaining seated during Vande Mataram could not be treated as a test of patriotism.&nbsp;The episode has once again brought differences within the INDIA bloc to the fore, with Vande Mataram becoming the latest flashpoint over nationalism, secularism and freedom of conscience in J&amp;K.

The National Conference maintained that its position on Vande Mataram had not changed. The party’s chief spokesperson, Tanvir Sadiq, said the party had neither adopted the two-stanza nor the six-stanza version, while insisting that there should be no compulsion on anyone to sing the song.

Srinagar: A fresh political dispute has emerged between the Congress and its ally, the National Conference (NC), in Jammu and Kashmir over the singing of the full version of Vande Mataram at an official event, with the BJP backing the NC and the PDP stressing constitutional freedom. Congress General Secretary K C Venugopal opposed the singing of the full version, saying the shorter version was adopted during the freedom struggle to preserve the song’s inclusive and secular character. He urged allies to respect the understanding reached by the freedom movement’s leaders. J&K Congress chief Tariq Hameed Karra endorsed the view, saying national symbols should unite India’s diverse population. He argued that the issue was not about patriotism but about the constitutional ethos governing its expression. Also Read: US strikes Iranian tankers after missile attack attempts on warship; IRGC vows to retaliate The NC, however, maintained that its position had not changed. The party’s chief spokesperson Tanvir Sadiq said the party had neither adopted the two-stanza nor the six-stanza version, while insisting that there should be no compulsion on anyone to sing the song. Sadiq said that if Parliament had made the full version mandatory at government programmes, it had to be followed. He also questioned why Congress was targeting the NC when Congress chief ministers in other states had participated in programmes where the full song was sung. The BJP welcomed the NC’s stand. Party spokesperson Altaf Thakur praised Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and NC president Farooq Abdullah for standing during the entire national song, calling it a strong message to their INDIA bloc ally, Congress. Also Read: Will BRICS emerge as bloc within a bloc at Florida G20, flex its growing clout? The PDP took a constitutional line. Its chief spokesperson Syed Tajamul Islam said standing or remaining seated during Vande Mataram could not be treated as a test of patriotism. The episode has once again brought differences within the INDIA bloc to the fore, with Vande Mataram becoming the latest flashpoint over nationalism, secularism and freedom of conscience in J&K.

The National Conference maintained that its position on Vande Mataram had not changed. The party’s chief spokesperson, Tanvir Sadiq, said the party had neither adopted the two-stanza nor the six-stanza version, while insisting that there should be no compulsion on anyone to sing the song.

Vande Mataram becomes new flashpoint between Congress and NC in J&K

The Bharatiya Janata Party on Saturday (August 22) strongly condemned the Congress Working Committee's decision to re-adopt its 1937 resolution limiting the singing of Vande Mataram to its first two stanzas at party programmes.&nbsp;The BJP said Vande Mataram represents India's National Song, reverence for Bharat Mata, the spirit of the freedom struggle and the country's national consciousness.&nbsp;In its resolution, the BJP said it would oppose the Congress decision and work to protect the "honour, dignity and legacy" of all six stanzas of Vande Mataram.&nbsp;The party said it would reaffirm the 1950 Constituent Assembly declaration and the 2026 law passed by Parliament, which it said provides statutory protection to the National Song at par with Jana Gana Mana.&nbsp;The BJP also said it would oppose any attempt to make Vande Mataram subject to communal pressure, appeasement or vote bank politics. It maintained that the Congress Working Committee's decision cannot override the Constitution or Parliament's law.&nbsp;The resolution said the political compromise of 1937 cannot supersede the constitutional decision of 1950 and the 2026 legislation.<h2>BJP plans nationwide campaign</h2>The BJP said it would present the historical background of the restrictions on Vande Mataram before the public, including objections raised by the Muslim League and the politics surrounding communal and separatist demands.&nbsp;The party also said it would highlight Mahatma Gandhi's description of Vande Mataram as an "anti-imperialist slogan" linked to the "purest national sentiment."&nbsp;BJP workers will launch a nationwide campaign to spread awareness about the history, meaning and national importance of Vande Mataram. The resolution said the issue concerns India's honour and the legacy of patriots who sacrificed their lives for the country.&nbsp;The BJP said the song once became powerful enough to alarm the British, who tried to suppress it for inspiring resistance. It added that generations embraced it as a symbol of freedom and national pride.&nbsp;The resolution further said that while "Vande Mataram" represented India's independence movement in 1947, the call for "Viksit Bharat" in 2047 under Prime Minister Narendra Modi would also carry the same slogan.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bar-deserves-better-bci-turning-against-manan-kumar-mishra-co-chairman-demands-resignation-within-15-days-1787388909043">‘Bar deserves better’: BCI turning against Manan Kumar Mishra? Co-chairman demands resignation within 15 days</a><h2>Congress defends 1937 resolution</h2>The Congress Working Committee decided on Wednesday that only the first two stanzas of Vande Mataram would be sung at party events, citing its 1937 resolution.&nbsp;The decision came after a political row over allegations by the BJP that Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and party parliamentary chairperson Sonia Gandhi spoke to each other while Vande Mataram was being rendered during Independence Day celebrations on August 15.&nbsp;The BJP had demanded a public apology from the Congress leaders.&nbsp;After the CWC meeting, Congress MP KC Venugopal said the party's position on Vande Mataram remained clear and that it would follow the decisions taken by Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in 1937.

The BJP strongly opposed the Congress decision to limit Vande Mataram to its first two stanzas and announced a nationwide campaign to protect the National Song's full six-stanza legacy.

The Bharatiya Janata Party on Saturday (August 22) strongly condemned the Congress Working Committee's decision to re-adopt its 1937 resolution limiting the singing of Vande Mataram to its first two stanzas at party programmes. The BJP said Vande Mataram represents India's National Song, reverence for Bharat Mata, the spirit of the freedom struggle and the country's national consciousness. In its resolution, the BJP said it would oppose the Congress decision and work to protect the "honour, dignity and legacy" of all six stanzas of Vande Mataram. The party said it would reaffirm the 1950 Constituent Assembly declaration and the 2026 law passed by Parliament, which it said provides statutory protection to the National Song at par with Jana Gana Mana. The BJP also said it would oppose any attempt to make Vande Mataram subject to communal pressure, appeasement or vote bank politics. It maintained that the Congress Working Committee's decision cannot override the Constitution or Parliament's law. The resolution said the political compromise of 1937 cannot supersede the constitutional decision of 1950 and the 2026 legislation. BJP plans nationwide campaign The BJP said it would present the historical background of the restrictions on Vande Mataram before the public, including objections raised by the Muslim League and the politics surrounding communal and separatist demands. The party also said it would highlight Mahatma Gandhi's description of Vande Mataram as an "anti-imperialist slogan" linked to the "purest national sentiment." BJP workers will launch a nationwide campaign to spread awareness about the history, meaning and national importance of Vande Mataram. The resolution said the issue concerns India's honour and the legacy of patriots who sacrificed their lives for the country. The BJP said the song once became powerful enough to alarm the British, who tried to suppress it for inspiring resistance. It added that generations embraced it as a symbol of freedom and national pride. The resolution further said that while "Vande Mataram" represented India's independence movement in 1947, the call for "Viksit Bharat" in 2047 under Prime Minister Narendra Modi would also carry the same slogan. Also Read: ‘Bar deserves better’: BCI turning against Manan Kumar Mishra? Co-chairman demands resignation within 15 days Congress defends 1937 resolution The Congress Working Committee decided on Wednesday that only the first two stanzas of Vande Mataram would be sung at party events, citing its 1937 resolution. The decision came after a political row over allegations by the BJP that Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and party parliamentary chairperson Sonia Gandhi spoke to each other while Vande Mataram was being rendered during Independence Day celebrations on August 15. The BJP had demanded a public apology from the Congress leaders. After the CWC meeting, Congress MP KC Venugopal said the party's position on Vande Mataram remained clear and that it would follow the decisions taken by Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in 1937.

The BJP strongly opposed the Congress decision to limit Vande Mataram to its first two stanzas and announced a nationwide campaign to protect the National Song's full six-stanza legacy.

BJP passes 'Vande Mataram' resolution, condemns Congress' two stanza decision

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday (Aug 20) accused the Congress of reviving its “extreme policy of appeasement” amid row over Vande Mataram. This comes after the Congress Working Committee (CWC), at its meeting on Wednesday (Aug 19), decided to follow the party’s 1937 resolution on the national song and sing only its first two stanzas. The decision has triggered a political clash between the BJP and Congress, with the song becoming the latest flashpoint between the two parties.Speaking to ANI, Shah linked the 1937 decision to the events that eventually led to Partition, alleging that the Congress had divided Vande Mataram “for Muslim appeasement”.“From there, the two-nation theory gained strength and eventually, the country was partitioned and Pakistan was born,” Shah said.He argued that the Narendra Modi government had sought to correct what he called a historical mistake by promoting the complete rendition of Vande Mataram. Shah also accused Congress of ignoring what he termed the legal position on the song.“Today, the Congress party is accepting its party resolution of 1937 and rejecting the Act of Parliament,” he said, urging people to oppose the Congress stand.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/vijay-govt-rolls-back-order-to-stop-students-joining-cjp-left-protests-in-tamil-nadu-here-s-why-1787127672532">Vijay govt rolls back order to stop students joining CJP, Left protests in Tamil Nadu – Here’s why</a>The Congress, however, has hit back strongly. Party president Mallikarjun Kharge questioned the BJP and RSS’s contribution to India’s freedom struggle while responding to Shah’s criticism.“When I became an MLA, Amit Shah was not even born yet,” Kharge said, before asking, “Which BJP man fought for the freedom of this country? Which RSS man fought for the freedom of this country?”The dispute follows BJP criticism of Kharge and Congress parliamentary chairperson Sonia Gandhi over their alleged conversation during Vande Mataram at an Independence Day event on August 15.Congress MP KC Venugopal defended the CWC decision, saying the party would adhere to the positions taken by Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in 1937.

Amit Shah slammed Congress over its decision to sing only two stanzas of Vande Mataram, accusing it of appeasement. Mallikarjun Kharge hit back, questioning BJP-RSS’ freedom struggle role.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday (Aug 20) accused the Congress of reviving its “extreme policy of appeasement” amid row over Vande Mataram. This comes after the Congress Working Committee (CWC), at its meeting on Wednesday (Aug 19), decided to follow the party’s 1937 resolution on the national song and sing only its first two stanzas. The decision has triggered a political clash between the BJP and Congress, with the song becoming the latest flashpoint between the two parties. Speaking to ANI, Shah linked the 1937 decision to the events that eventually led to Partition, alleging that the Congress had divided Vande Mataram “for Muslim appeasement”. “From there, the two-nation theory gained strength and eventually, the country was partitioned and Pakistan was born,” Shah said. He argued that the Narendra Modi government had sought to correct what he called a historical mistake by promoting the complete rendition of Vande Mataram. Shah also accused Congress of ignoring what he termed the legal position on the song. “Today, the Congress party is accepting its party resolution of 1937 and rejecting the Act of Parliament,” he said, urging people to oppose the Congress stand. Also read | Vijay govt rolls back order to stop students joining CJP, Left protests in Tamil Nadu – Here’s why The Congress, however, has hit back strongly. Party president Mallikarjun Kharge questioned the BJP and RSS’s contribution to India’s freedom struggle while responding to Shah’s criticism. “When I became an MLA, Amit Shah was not even born yet,” Kharge said, before asking, “Which BJP man fought for the freedom of this country? Which RSS man fought for the freedom of this country?” The dispute follows BJP criticism of Kharge and Congress parliamentary chairperson Sonia Gandhi over their alleged conversation during Vande Mataram at an Independence Day event on August 15. Congress MP KC Venugopal defended the CWC decision, saying the party would adhere to the positions taken by Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in 1937.

Amit Shah slammed Congress over its decision to sing only two stanzas of Vande Mataram, accusing it of appeasement. Mallikarjun Kharge hit back, questioning BJP-RSS’ freedom struggle role.

‘Extreme policy of appeasement’: Amit Shah attacks Congress over Vande Mataram

A major political confrontation is unfolding between the BJP and Congress over Vande Mataram, with the national song becoming the latest flashpoint in India’s political debate.

BJP president Nitin Nabin has sharply criticised the Congress Working Committee’s decision to continue singing only the first two stanzas of Vande Mataram at party events. Nabin accused the Congress of compromising national sentiment and called the party a “new Muslim League.”

The Congress has defended its position by citing a 1937 Congress Working Committee resolution, arguing that leaders of the freedom movement, including Mahatma Gandhi and Rabindranath Tagore, supported limiting public renditions to the first two stanzas.

The controversy intensified following an Independence Day event at the Congress headquarters, where a video involving Sonia Gandhi sparked competing claims from the BJP and Congress over the full rendition of the national song.

Vande Mataram Row: BJP Slams Congress As Political Battle Over National Song Intensifies

The row over the national song has escalated between Congress and BJP, with the Congress Working Committee (CWC) on Wednesday (Aug 19) issuing a stern statement saying that the party will only sing the first two stanzas of Vande Mataram at its programmes. Reacting to this, BJP national president Nitin Nabin termed the grand-old party as ‘new Muslim League.' The tussle between the two parties began as a video went viral purportedly showing Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi gesturing and speaking to party president Mallikarjun Kharge while Vande Mataram was being sung.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lata-mangeshkar-s-vande-mataram-plays-by-mistake-at-eknath-shinde-event-audience-stands-for-4-minutes-watch-1787053532370">Lata Mangeshkar’s Vande Mataram plays by mistake at Eknath Shinde event</a><h2>What Congress said?</h2>The Congress party has cited a 1937 CWC resolution to back its stand, arguing that people who were part of the freedom movement, including Mahatma Gandhi and Rabindranath Tagore, had backed limiting the public rendition of Vande Mataram to its first two stanzas. Following a CWC meeting convened by the All India Congress Committee (AICC) chief, Mallikarjun Kharge, at the party headquarters Indira Bhavan in Delhi, AICC general secretary in charge of organisation KC Venugopal told a press conference that there was “no confusion” over the rendition of Vande Mataram within the Congress. AICC general secretary in charge of communication Jairam Ramesh also said that BJP is making a issue out of nothing. “There is no controversy in this,” he added.&nbsp;"Our stand is very clear. The CWC resolution of 1937… Mahatma Gandhi, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, Rabindranath Tagore, Subhas Chandra Bose and Sardar Patel. We will abide by the decision taken by them. Our Congress workers will do that only – sing only the first two stanzas,” Venugopal said. “The national anthem (Jana Gana Mana) and Vande Mataram are emotional for the Congress, but it is political for the BJP. That is the difference between us and them,” he added.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/hm-amit-shah-accuses-sonia-gandhi-of-trying-to-stop-vande-mataram-congress-denies-the-charge-1786983325789">HM Amit Shah accuses Sonia Gandhi of trying to stop Vande Mataram</a><h2>What BJP said?</h2>In a post on X, BJP president slammed the Congress over its decision to sing only two stanzas of Vande Mataram at their events, saying the opposition party has become the “new Muslim League” for votes.Nabin, in a post on X in Hindi, said, “This insult to the sacred invocation of ‘Bharat Mata’ is a disdain for those thousands of martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the nation, keeping this very song in their consciousness.” In a veiled reference to a row over singing of the full version of Vande Mataram during the Independence Day event at the Congress office on August 15, Nabin said the same insult to the national song reflected in an “individual’s conduct” a few days ago. Still, the Congress dismissed it as a “coincidence.”<h2>What the new rule about national song states?</h2>In the recently concluded Monsoon Session of Parliament, Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Central government passed the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Act, 2026, and made it a new law which elevates ‘Vande Mataram’ to an equal status with the National Anthem (Jana Gana Mana). It also makes attempts to stop or prevent the singing or playing of Vande Mataram a criminal offence.

Congress said it will sing only the first two stanzas of Vande Mataram, citing a 1937 CWC resolution. BJP president Nitin Nabin attacked the party as the “new Muslim League”, escalating the row over the national song and its status alongside Jana Gana Mana.

The row over the national song has escalated between Congress and BJP, with the Congress Working Committee (CWC) on Wednesday (Aug 19) issuing a stern statement saying that the party will only sing the first two stanzas of Vande Mataram at its programmes. Reacting to this, BJP national president Nitin Nabin termed the grand-old party as ‘new Muslim League.' The tussle between the two parties began as a video went viral purportedly showing Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi gesturing and speaking to party president Mallikarjun Kharge while Vande Mataram was being sung. Also Read: Lata Mangeshkar’s Vande Mataram plays by mistake at Eknath Shinde event What Congress said? The Congress party has cited a 1937 CWC resolution to back its stand, arguing that people who were part of the freedom movement, including Mahatma Gandhi and Rabindranath Tagore, had backed limiting the public rendition of Vande Mataram to its first two stanzas. Following a CWC meeting convened by the All India Congress Committee (AICC) chief, Mallikarjun Kharge, at the party headquarters Indira Bhavan in Delhi, AICC general secretary in charge of organisation KC Venugopal told a press conference that there was “no confusion” over the rendition of Vande Mataram within the Congress. AICC general secretary in charge of communication Jairam Ramesh also said that BJP is making a issue out of nothing. “There is no controversy in this,” he added. "Our stand is very clear. The CWC resolution of 1937… Mahatma Gandhi, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, Rabindranath Tagore, Subhas Chandra Bose and Sardar Patel. We will abide by the decision taken by them. Our Congress workers will do that only – sing only the first two stanzas,” Venugopal said. “The national anthem (Jana Gana Mana) and Vande Mataram are emotional for the Congress, but it is political for the BJP. That is the difference between us and them,” he added. Also Read: HM Amit Shah accuses Sonia Gandhi of trying to stop Vande Mataram What BJP said? In a post on X, BJP president slammed the Congress over its decision to sing only two stanzas of Vande Mataram at their events, saying the opposition party has become the “new Muslim League” for votes.Nabin, in a post on X in Hindi, said, “This insult to the sacred invocation of ‘Bharat Mata’ is a disdain for those thousands of martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the nation, keeping this very song in their consciousness.” In a veiled reference to a row over singing of the full version of Vande Mataram during the Independence Day event at the Congress office on August 15, Nabin said the same insult to the national song reflected in an “individual’s conduct” a few days ago. Still, the Congress dismissed it as a “coincidence.” What the new rule about national song states? In the recently concluded Monsoon Session of Parliament, Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Central government passed the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Act, 2026, and made it a new law which elevates ‘Vande Mataram’ to an equal status with the National Anthem (Jana Gana Mana). It also makes attempts to stop or prevent the singing or playing of Vande Mataram a criminal offence.

Congress said it will sing only the first two stanzas of Vande Mataram, citing a 1937 CWC resolution. BJP president Nitin Nabin attacked the party as the “new Muslim League”, escalating the row over the national song and its status alongside Jana Gana Mana.

Congress defies Vande Mataram protocol, resolves to sing only 2 stanzas; BJP hits back with ‘new Muslim League’ taunt

Amid the growing controversy over the rendition of Vande Mataram during Independence Day celebrations, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Tuesday (August 18) defended the version sung by him, saying it was the same rendition historically used by leaders including Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. Kharge said that if singing the version followed by the Congress amounts to a crime, the government should also register FIRs against the late national leaders who sang the same version.&nbsp;"I sang the same 'Vande Mataram' that Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru sang. If singing it is a crime, then they have been committing that crime for the past 18 years. If this is a crime, then file a case against Gandhi ji. If this is a crime, file one against Nehru ji. If this is a crime, then against Vallabhbhai Patel. They are unaware of the fact that, even before they were born, Congress had passed a resolution determining which national songs to adopt for the country. It is not the case that whatever you say becomes the national standard. Tomorrow, another government might come to power; if they say something, that becomes the rule. We have simply continued the practice that has been in place for 90 years," he told reporters.&nbsp;The controversy erupted after video footage from the Congress headquarters showed Kharge and Sonia Gandhi conversing while Vande Mataram was being rendered during the Independence Day celebrations on August 15. The BJP subsequently accused the Congress leadership of disrespecting the national song and demanded a public apology. The issue remained politically charged on Monday as well, when only two stanzas of Vande Mataram were sung at a Pradesh Congress Committee programme in Goa in the presence of Kharge.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-police-denies-excessive-use-of-force-during-jantar-mantar-protest-says-plainclothes-personnel-were-spotters-1787038708565">Delhi Police denies excessive use of force during Jantar Mantar protest, says plainclothes personnel were 'spotters'</a><h2>Kharge targets BJP and RSS in Goa</h2>During a public rally in South Goa, Kharge launched a sharp attack on the BJP and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), questioning their contribution to India's freedom struggle. Kharge also took a swipe at Union Home Minister Amit Shah, highlighting his own long political career and saying that he had become an MLA even before Shah was born.&nbsp;He further accused the BJP of repeatedly targeting the Gandhi family and Sonia Gandhi, while questioning the BJP and RSS's role in the freedom movement. Kharge also alleged that the BJP had ‘kidnapped’ MLAs to form its government in Goa and accused the ruling party of acting in an ‘anti-India’ and ‘anti-religion’ manner.<h2>Cong begins preparations for Goa Assembly Polls 2027</h2>Kharge also held a meeting with Goa Pradesh Congress Committee leaders on Tuesday to prepare the party's campaign strategy for the 2027 Goa Assembly elections. He said he had personally contacted Congress leaders and urged them to maintain unity ahead of the polls. Kharge said party leaders had assured him that they would remain united and work towards defeating the BJP.&nbsp;"I called all our leaders and spoke with them; I emphasised that we must fight the upcoming election unitedly. They assured me that they would stand together and win this time. Subsequently, I met with representatives from various sections of society, listened to their concerns, and engaged with them. I am happy that the Congress leaders here are working together with courage, despite the local government's attempts to intimidate and suppress us--tactics that will not succeed. In a democracy, when a government comes to power, it should act responsibly; when another government takes over, it too must operate within the rules. Our people will certainly do what is necessary to win the election peacefully," Kharge said.

Mallikarjun Kharge defends Congress's Vande Mataram rendition, challenges BJP over Gandhi, Nehru and Patel, and targets BJP-RSS in Goa

Amid the growing controversy over the rendition of Vande Mataram during Independence Day celebrations, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Tuesday (August 18) defended the version sung by him, saying it was the same rendition historically used by leaders including Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. Kharge said that if singing the version followed by the Congress amounts to a crime, the government should also register FIRs against the late national leaders who sang the same version. "I sang the same 'Vande Mataram' that Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru sang. If singing it is a crime, then they have been committing that crime for the past 18 years. If this is a crime, then file a case against Gandhi ji. If this is a crime, file one against Nehru ji. If this is a crime, then against Vallabhbhai Patel. They are unaware of the fact that, even before they were born, Congress had passed a resolution determining which national songs to adopt for the country. It is not the case that whatever you say becomes the national standard. Tomorrow, another government might come to power; if they say something, that becomes the rule. We have simply continued the practice that has been in place for 90 years," he told reporters. The controversy erupted after video footage from the Congress headquarters showed Kharge and Sonia Gandhi conversing while Vande Mataram was being rendered during the Independence Day celebrations on August 15. The BJP subsequently accused the Congress leadership of disrespecting the national song and demanded a public apology. The issue remained politically charged on Monday as well, when only two stanzas of Vande Mataram were sung at a Pradesh Congress Committee programme in Goa in the presence of Kharge. Also Read: Delhi Police denies excessive use of force during Jantar Mantar protest, says plainclothes personnel were 'spotters' Kharge targets BJP and RSS in Goa During a public rally in South Goa, Kharge launched a sharp attack on the BJP and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), questioning their contribution to India's freedom struggle. Kharge also took a swipe at Union Home Minister Amit Shah, highlighting his own long political career and saying that he had become an MLA even before Shah was born. He further accused the BJP of repeatedly targeting the Gandhi family and Sonia Gandhi, while questioning the BJP and RSS's role in the freedom movement. Kharge also alleged that the BJP had ‘kidnapped’ MLAs to form its government in Goa and accused the ruling party of acting in an ‘anti-India’ and ‘anti-religion’ manner. Cong begins preparations for Goa Assembly Polls 2027 Kharge also held a meeting with Goa Pradesh Congress Committee leaders on Tuesday to prepare the party's campaign strategy for the 2027 Goa Assembly elections. He said he had personally contacted Congress leaders and urged them to maintain unity ahead of the polls. Kharge said party leaders had assured him that they would remain united and work towards defeating the BJP. "I called all our leaders and spoke with them; I emphasised that we must fight the upcoming election unitedly. They assured me that they would stand together and win this time. Subsequently, I met with representatives from various sections of society, listened to their concerns, and engaged with them. I am happy that the Congress leaders here are working together with courage, despite the local government's attempts to intimidate and suppress us--tactics that will not succeed. In a democracy, when a government comes to power, it should act responsibly; when another government takes over, it too must operate within the rules. Our people will certainly do what is necessary to win the election peacefully," Kharge said.

Kharge defends Congress's Vande Mataram rendition, challenges BJP over Gandhi-Nehru-Patel versions and targets BJP-RSS ahead of Goa polls

'I sang the same Vande Mataram': Kharge defends rendition, challenges BJP to file FIR against Gandhi, Nehru and Patel

Some gestures, facial expressions and undecipherable exchanges of words involving Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi during the rendition of the national song Vande Mataram at the party headquarters on Independence Day triggered a big controversy and led to the filing of police complaints across the nation.&nbsp;&nbsp;A complaint filed in Delhi seeks an FIR and investigation against Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi.&nbsp;BJP MLA Sumitro Chatterjee, who is a descendant of Vande Mataram’s author Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, has written to Sonia Gandhi seeking an unconditional apology.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/vande-mataram-row-escalates-bjp-lodges-complaint-against-sonia-gandhi-in-karnataka-1786901165963">Vande Mataram row escalates: BJP lodges complaint against Sonia Gandhi in Karnataka</a>&nbsp;The controversy comes days after the Parliament passed a law extending specific criminal protection to Vande Mataram, making the timing of the dispute particularly significant.&nbsp;<h2>What do the provisions of the new Vande Mataram law say?</h2>&nbsp;The police complaints and likely probe will largely depend on the provisions of the law.&nbsp;The Parliament recently passed the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026 during the Monsoon Session. After the assent of President Droupadi Murmu, it has become the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Act, 2026.&nbsp;The legislation amended Section 3 of the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971, which until now only protected the national anthem.The recent amendment extends that same safeguard to Vande Mataram, giving the national song statutory protection against intentional disruption of its singing.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-may-stalemate-did-us-manage-to-communicate-directly-with-irgc-top-commander-1786894585305">After May stalemate, US manoeuvred to communicate directly with IRGC top commander</a>&nbsp;Under the amended provision, a person can be punished if they intentionally prevent the singing of the national anthem or national song, or intentionally cause disturbance to an assembly engaged in such singing.&nbsp;The punishment for this disturbance can extend to three years’ imprisonment, a fine, or both. The law also retains the provision dealing with repeat offenders, and now a person convicted for a second or subsequent offence under the relevant provisions faces a minimum one-year imprisonment.However, the specific offence concerns intentionally preventing Vande Mataram singing or intentionally causing disturbance to an assembly singing it.&nbsp;&nbsp;That distinction would be crucial if the police complaints progress.&nbsp;<h2>What happened on August 15 at Congress headquarters?</h2>&nbsp;A full rendition of Vande Mataram was on during the Independence Day celebrations at the All India Congress Committee headquarters in New Delhi when Sonia Gandhi was seen making gestures and speaking to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge. Rahul Gandhi was also present nearby.BJP leaders alleged that Sonia Gandhi objected to the rendition of the full song and was wanting to get it stopped.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jharkhand-students-burn-effigies-of-cm-hemant-soren-rahul-gandhi-and-tejashwi-yadav-1786906838384">Jharkhand students burn effigies of CM Hemant Soren, Rahul Gandhi, and Tejashwi Yadav; one tonsures head in ‘mourning’</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><a href="https://x.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Delhi: The full Vande Mataram, was played at 80th Independence Day celebrations held at Congress headquarters today Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, CPP chairperson Sonia Gandhi and LoP Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and others were present on the occassion <a href="https://t.co/BOkL9lbvMQ">pic.twitter.com/BOkL9lbvMQ</a>&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://x.com/ANI/status/2088512819742552449?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 15, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;&nbsp;BJP’s Amit Malviya alleged that she appeared agitated as the full version continued.&nbsp;Congress rejected that interpretation, and MP Jairam Ramesh said the entire song was sung and that there was no controversy. The party claimed that Sonia was asking for a chair for Kharge, who had been standing for a considerable period during the function.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-cannot-live-with-war-former-iran-president-warns-against-prolonged-conflict-urges-diplomacy-1786912223136">‘We cannot live with war’: Former Iran president warns against prolonged conflict, urges diplomacy</a>&nbsp;<h2>BJP accuses Sonia, Cong of showing disrespect to national song</h2>&nbsp;The BJP accuses Sonia Gandhi and the Congress leadership of showing disrespect to the national song, while Union Home Minister Amit Shah alleged that the incident was the outcome of the Congress party’s vote-bank politics.The BJP also criticised Rahul Gandhi and Kharge, saying that they should have ensured that the national song was treated with due respect.&nbsp;A complaint filed with the Delhi Police seeks registration of an FIR against Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi over the alleged incident at the Congress headquarters. The complaint seeks an investigation into an obstruction during the singing of Vande Mataram.

BJP MLA Sumitro Chatterjee, who is a descendant of Vande Mataram’s author Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, has written to Sonia Gandhi seeking an unconditional apology. The row comes days after the Parliament passed a law extending specific criminal protection to Vande Mataram.

Some gestures, facial expressions and undecipherable exchanges of words involving Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi during the rendition of the national song Vande Mataram at the party headquarters on Independence Day triggered a big controversy and led to the filing of police complaints across the nation. A complaint filed in Delhi seeks an FIR and investigation against Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi. BJP MLA Sumitro Chatterjee, who is a descendant of Vande Mataram’s author Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, has written to Sonia Gandhi seeking an unconditional apology. Also Read: Vande Mataram row escalates: BJP lodges complaint against Sonia Gandhi in Karnataka The controversy comes days after the Parliament passed a law extending specific criminal protection to Vande Mataram, making the timing of the dispute particularly significant. What do the provisions of the new Vande Mataram law say? The police complaints and likely probe will largely depend on the provisions of the law. The Parliament recently passed the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026 during the Monsoon Session. After the assent of President Droupadi Murmu, it has become the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Act, 2026. The legislation amended Section 3 of the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971, which until now only protected the national anthem. The recent amendment extends that same safeguard to Vande Mataram, giving the national song statutory protection against intentional disruption of its singing. Also Read: After May stalemate, US manoeuvred to communicate directly with IRGC top commander Under the amended provision, a person can be punished if they intentionally prevent the singing of the national anthem or national song, or intentionally cause disturbance to an assembly engaged in such singing. The punishment for this disturbance can extend to three years’ imprisonment, a fine, or both. The law also retains the provision dealing with repeat offenders, and now a person convicted for a second or subsequent offence under the relevant provisions faces a minimum one-year imprisonment. However, the specific offence concerns intentionally preventing Vande Mataram singing or intentionally causing disturbance to an assembly singing it. That distinction would be crucial if the police complaints progress. What happened on August 15 at Congress headquarters? A full rendition of Vande Mataram was on during the Independence Day celebrations at the All India Congress Committee headquarters in New Delhi when Sonia Gandhi was seen making gestures and speaking to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge. Rahul Gandhi was also present nearby. BJP leaders alleged that Sonia Gandhi objected to the rendition of the full song and was wanting to get it stopped. Also Read: Jharkhand students burn effigies of CM Hemant Soren, Rahul Gandhi, and Tejashwi Yadav; one tonsures head in ‘mourning’

BJP MLA Sumitro Chatterjee, who is a descendant of Vande Mataram’s author Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, has written to Sonia Gandhi seeking an unconditional apology. The row comes days after the Parliament passed a law extending specific criminal protection to Vande Mataram.

Vande Mataram row: Which section of the new law can put Sonia Gandhi in the dock

The row over the alleged bid to stop full rendition of the national song ‘Vande Mataram’ at the Congress headquarters in New Delhi on Independence Day is intensifying as BJP leaders on Sunday lodged a formal complaint against Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi at the Urwa Police Station in Karnataka.&nbsp;&nbsp;Another complaint was filed with the Delhi Police seeking registration of an FIR against Sonia and Rahul Gandhi over alleged obstruction during the singing of Vande Mataram. The complaint, filed by an advocate, was submitted at the IP Estate police station on Sunday.&nbsp;In Bengaluru, the BJP Yuva Morcha lodged a complaint at the Malleshwaram police station regarding the alleged insult and sought legal action.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/telangana-cm-revanth-reddy-accuses-brs-leaders-of-using-black-magic-to-usurp-power-occult-charges-not-new-in-politics-1786884046815">Telangana CM Revanth Reddy accuses BRS leaders of using ‘black magic’ to usurp power; occult charges not new in politics</a>&nbsp;The political controversy began when visuals from the August 15 event showed senior Congress leaders speaking among themselves while the National Song was being recited. BJP leaders alleged that the conduct amounted to disrespect towards the national song, while the Congress rejected the charge and said there was no attempt to stop the rendition.&nbsp;BJP MP Manoj Tiwari accused the Congress leadership of showing disrespect towards the National Song and targeted Sonia Gandhi, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and leader of opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi. “Yesterday, the Congress revealed its true face to the country and the world. They harbour such hatred for ‘Vande Mataram’... You saw how uncomfortable Sonia Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge became yesterday the moment the full version of ‘Vande Mataram’ was played... When they saw it had been recorded on camera, they tried to give explanations,” Tiwari told news agency ANI.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-middle-east-commander-visits-uss-lincoln-amid-iran-war-gaza-and-lebanon-tensions-1786882278296">US top commander visits USS Lincoln amid Iran war, Gaza and Lebanon tensions</a>&nbsp;The controversy also drew a sharp attack from Union home minister Amit Shah, who raised the issue at a rally in Chittorgarh, Rajasthan.Shah alleged that Sonia had asked party workers to stop the rendition. He said, “Sonia ji, 140 crore people are watching you. This sin you have committed will never be forgiven by the people of this country.”&nbsp;&nbsp;The Congress has maintained that there was no attempt to stop the full version of Vande Mataram and that Sonia Gandhi was only trying to ensure proper arrangements at the event, including asking for a chair for Kharge, who had been standing.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-may-stalemate-did-us-manage-to-communicate-directly-with-irgc-top-commander-1786894585305">After May stalemate, US manoeuvred to communicate directly with IRGC top commander</a><h2>‘Entire Bengal fuming’: CM Suvendu Adhikari slams Sonia</h2>&nbsp;West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Sunday slammed Congress parliamentary party chairperson Sonia Gandhi over the controversy surrounding the recitation of Vande Mataram at the Congress headquarters on Independence Day, and said, “Entire Bengal is fuming, Congress must apologise.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Adhikari also accused the Congress of indulging in appeasement politics. “It’s appeasement politics, Cong trying to please a particular vote bank,” he said while further adding that it’s an insult to nationalism, and Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay.&nbsp;<h2>Bankim Chandra’s descendant demands Sonia’s apology</h2>&nbsp;BJP MLA Umitro Chatterjee, a direct descendant of Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, sought an unconditional apology from Sonia Gandhi, saying he wrote as “an ordinary citizen, a patriot” and descendant of the song’s author, expressing “deep pain, emptiness, and anger”.&nbsp;Invoking Sri Aurobindo’s description of Vande Mataram as the “religion of patriotism”, he cited its role in India’s freedom movement and its association with leaders including Khudiram Bose, Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Rabindranath Tagore.&nbsp;In a first for Independence Day celebrations, ‘Vande Mataram’, with the full six stanzas, was rendered at the Red Fort complex on August 15.

The Congress has maintained that there was no attempt to stop the full version of Vande Mataram and that Sonia Gandhi was only trying to ensure proper arrangements at the event, including asking for a chair for Kharge, who had been standing.

The row over the alleged bid to stop full rendition of the national song ‘Vande Mataram’ at the Congress headquarters in New Delhi on Independence Day is intensifying as BJP leaders on Sunday lodged a formal complaint against Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi at the Urwa Police Station in Karnataka. Another complaint was filed with the Delhi Police seeking registration of an FIR against Sonia and Rahul Gandhi over alleged obstruction during the singing of Vande Mataram. The complaint, filed by an advocate, was submitted at the IP Estate police station on Sunday. In Bengaluru, the BJP Yuva Morcha lodged a complaint at the Malleshwaram police station regarding the alleged insult and sought legal action. Also Read: Telangana CM Revanth Reddy accuses BRS leaders of using ‘black magic’ to usurp power; occult charges not new in politics The political controversy began when visuals from the August 15 event showed senior Congress leaders speaking among themselves while the National Song was being recited. BJP leaders alleged that the conduct amounted to disrespect towards the national song, while the Congress rejected the charge and said there was no attempt to stop the rendition. BJP MP Manoj Tiwari accused the Congress leadership of showing disrespect towards the National Song and targeted Sonia Gandhi, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and leader of opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi. “Yesterday, the Congress revealed its true face to the country and the world. They harbour such hatred for ‘Vande Mataram’... You saw how uncomfortable Sonia Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge became yesterday the moment the full version of ‘Vande Mataram’ was played... When they saw it had been recorded on camera, they tried to give explanations,” Tiwari told news agency ANI. Also Read: US top commander visits USS Lincoln amid Iran war, Gaza and Lebanon tensions The controversy also drew a sharp attack from Union home minister Amit Shah, who raised the issue at a rally in Chittorgarh, Rajasthan. Shah alleged that Sonia had asked party workers to stop the rendition. He said, “Sonia ji, 140 crore people are watching you. This sin you have committed will never be forgiven by the people of this country.” The Congress has maintained that there was no attempt to stop the full version of Vande Mataram and that Sonia Gandhi was only trying to ensure proper arrangements at the event, including asking for a chair for Kharge, who had been standing. Also Read: After May stalemate, US manoeuvred to communicate directly with IRGC top commander ‘Entire Bengal fuming’: CM Suvendu Adhikari slams Sonia West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Sunday slammed Congress parliamentary party chairperson Sonia Gandhi over the controversy surrounding the recitation of Vande Mataram at the Congress headquarters on Independence Day, and said, “Entire Bengal is fuming, Congress must apologise.” Adhikari also accused the Congress of indulging in appeasement politics. “It’s appeasement politics, Cong trying to please a particular vote bank,” he said while further adding that it’s an insult to nationalism, and Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay. Bankim Chandra’s descendant demands Sonia’s apology BJP MLA Umitro Chatterjee, a direct descendant of Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, sought an unconditional apology from Sonia Gandhi, saying he wrote as “an ordinary citizen, a patriot” and descendant of the song’s author, expressing “deep pain, emptiness, and anger”. Invoking Sri Aurobindo’s description of Vande Mataram as the “religion of patriotism”, he cited its role in India’s freedom movement and its association with leaders including Khudiram Bose, Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Rabindranath Tagore. In a first for Independence Day celebrations, ‘Vande Mataram’, with the full six stanzas, was rendered at the Red Fort complex on August 15.

The Congress has maintained that there was no attempt to stop the full version of Vande Mataram and that Sonia Gandhi was only trying to ensure proper arrangements at the event, including asking for a chair for Kharge, who had been standing.

Vande Mataram row escalates: BJP lodges complaint against Sonia Gandhi in Karnataka

BJP MLA Sumitro Chatterjee, a direct descendant of author Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, has written to Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi, demanding an unconditional public apology over an alleged disruption to the national song Vande Mataram. The controversy follows an incident in the All India Congress Committee headquarters during Independence Day celebrations on August 15, 2026.&nbsp;The BJP MLA from Naihati in West Bengal alleged that there was “discomfort” and repeated attempts to disrupt the singing of the full version of Vande Mataram. He termed the incident a “shameless repetition of a historical mistake”. He drew a parallel to 1937 when the Congress Party supposedly "bowed" to Mohammad Ali Jinnah's objections and truncated the song. He claimed that he felt "deep pain, emptiness and anger" over the leadership's discomfort with the full rendition of the song. He said that the song does not belong to any political party but rather belonged to every Indian and was synonymous with the country's freedom struggle."Her actions were truly shameful. It is an insult to the country, an insult to all of India and to the Bengali community. My entire family was hurt," said Chatterjee.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-lpg-production-limit-reliance-highest-target-1786891690460">India fixes daily LPG production limits, Reliance gets highest at 18,000 tonnes</a>The Congress party has strongly rejected the BJP's interpretation of the event, and called it a deliberate attempt to divert the political narrative.&nbsp;"There is no question of any controversy over this… There was no attempt to stop anyone. There was no attempt to stop. The Congress president had been standing for a long time; that is why Sonia Gandhi ji was saying that a chair should be brought and placed for him,” said Congress leader Jairam Ramesh.There is no general legal obligation to sing the six stanzas of the Vande Mataram. However, an MHA protocol mandates that all six stanzas of the official version must be sung at specified official functions, public gatherings, and schools. The recently passed Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Act, 2026 extends statutory protection under Section 3 of the 1971 Act to Vande Mataram. It criminalises intentionally preventing the singing of the national song or causing disturbance to an assembly engaged in such singing. It does not specifically define the conduct that attracts criminal liability under Section 3, and expressions such as "intentionally prevents", "causes disturbance" and "assembly engaged in such singing" have no statutory definitions, leaving the content of the offence to judicial interpretation.

BJP MLA and Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay’s descendant Sumitro Chatterjee has demanded an unconditional apology from Sonia Gandhi over an alleged Vande Mataram disruption.

BJP MLA Sumitro Chatterjee, a direct descendant of author Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, has written to Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi, demanding an unconditional public apology over an alleged disruption to the national song Vande Mataram. The controversy follows an incident in the All India Congress Committee headquarters during Independence Day celebrations on August 15, 2026. The BJP MLA from Naihati in West Bengal alleged that there was “discomfort” and repeated attempts to disrupt the singing of the full version of Vande Mataram. He termed the incident a “shameless repetition of a historical mistake”. He drew a parallel to 1937 when the Congress Party supposedly "bowed" to Mohammad Ali Jinnah's objections and truncated the song. He claimed that he felt "deep pain, emptiness and anger" over the leadership's discomfort with the full rendition of the song. He said that the song does not belong to any political party but rather belonged to every Indian and was synonymous with the country's freedom struggle. "Her actions were truly shameful. It is an insult to the country, an insult to all of India and to the Bengali community. My entire family was hurt," said Chatterjee. Also Read: India fixes daily LPG production limits, Reliance gets highest at 18,000 tonnes The Congress party has strongly rejected the BJP's interpretation of the event, and called it a deliberate attempt to divert the political narrative. "There is no question of any controversy over this… There was no attempt to stop anyone. There was no attempt to stop. The Congress president had been standing for a long time; that is why Sonia Gandhi ji was saying that a chair should be brought and placed for him,” said Congress leader Jairam Ramesh. There is no general legal obligation to sing the six stanzas of the Vande Mataram. However, an MHA protocol mandates that all six stanzas of the official version must be sung at specified official functions, public gatherings, and schools. The recently passed Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Act, 2026 extends statutory protection under Section 3 of the 1971 Act to Vande Mataram. It criminalises intentionally preventing the singing of the national song or causing disturbance to an assembly engaged in such singing. It does not specifically define the conduct that attracts criminal liability under Section 3, and expressions such as "intentionally prevents", "causes disturbance" and "assembly engaged in such singing" have no statutory definitions, leaving the content of the offence to judicial interpretation.

BJP MLA and Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay’s descendant Sumitro Chatterjee has demanded an unconditional apology from Sonia Gandhi over an alleged Vande Mataram disruption.

Bankim Chandra’s descendant Sumitro Chatterjee seeks Sonia Gandhi’s apology over Vande Mataram row

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday (August 16) accused the Congress of ‘shamelessness’ over an alleged attempt to stop the rendition of Vande Mataram midway during the party’s Independence Day programme. He said the alleged act would never be forgiven by the people of the country. Addressing a public gathering in Chittorgarh, Rajasthan, Shah alleged that Congress leader Sonia Gandhi had asked the party president to stop the national song while it was being sung at the Congress headquarters on Independence Day.&nbsp;“Look at their (Congress's) shamelessness. The anthem Vande Mataram was being sung at the Congress Party headquarters. During the anthem, Congress leader Sonia Gandhi told the Congress President to stop singing. We all just kept watching on TV,” Shah said. “Sonia ji, 140 crore people are watching you. This sin you have committed will never be forgiven by the people of this country. How can anyone even dream of leaving the anthem Vande Mataram incomplete? The people of Congress should feel ashamed,” he added.&nbsp;Shah also demanded that the Congress apologise to the people and to Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, the author of Vande Mataram. “If there is any shame left, you should fold your hands and apologise to Bankim Babu's immortal spirit and the people,” Shah said. The controversy started after visuals from the Congress headquarters’ Independence Day event showed senior party leaders speaking among themselves while Vande Mataram was being recited. BJP leaders later alleged that the conduct amounted to disrespect towards the national song.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/watch-pm-modi-s-morning-routine-with-cows-and-peacocks-before-i-day-speech-goes-viral-1786872618228">WATCH | PM Modi's morning routine with cows and peacocks before I-Day speech goes viral</a>&nbsp;BJP leader Amit Malviya also criticised Sonia Gandhi, alleging that she had objected to the complete rendition of Vande Mataram. He claimed that Gandhi became ‘agitated’ after the initial stanzas were sung and asked for the rendition to be stopped. Malviya claimed that Rahul Gandhi appeared to signal that the song should end. The Congress rejected the allegations, maintaining that Sonia Gandhi’s actions had nothing to do with stopping the national song. The party said she was only attempting to ensure that the appropriate arrangements were made for the rendition at the event.&nbsp;Shah also linked the controversy to what he described as the Congress’s political approach, alleging that the party had “forgotten Vande Mataram due to vote-bank politics”. He recalled the role of Vande Mataram in India’s freedom struggle, saying thousands of people had faced bullets, lathis and imprisonment for singing the song. “After 80 years of Independence, Vande Mataram was sung at the Red Fort and all other places where flag hoisting was held,” Shah said.&nbsp;Shah was addressing the gathering in Chittorgarh during the ‘Atal Gaurav Smriti Samaroh’. He also unveiled a 21-foot-tall statue of former Prime Minister and Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee in Nimbahera on his death anniversary. Speaking about Vajpayee’s legacy, Shah highlighted several major decisions taken during his tenure, including India’s emergence as a nuclear power despite international pressure following the Pokhran tests.&nbsp;Earlier, Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma said the country’s borders were becoming safer under Shah’s leadership and highlighted various government initiatives benefiting Rajasthan. He also credited Shah with playing an important role in tackling Left-wing extremism and implementing the country’s new criminal laws.

Amit Shah attacks Congress over the Vande Mataram controversy, accuses Sonia Gandhi of seeking to stop the song and demands an apology

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday (August 16) accused the Congress of ‘shamelessness’ over an alleged attempt to stop the rendition of Vande Mataram midway during the party’s Independence Day programme. He said the alleged act would never be forgiven by the people of the country. Addressing a public gathering in Chittorgarh, Rajasthan, Shah alleged that Congress leader Sonia Gandhi had asked the party president to stop the national song while it was being sung at the Congress headquarters on Independence Day. “Look at their (Congress's) shamelessness. The anthem Vande Mataram was being sung at the Congress Party headquarters. During the anthem, Congress leader Sonia Gandhi told the Congress President to stop singing. We all just kept watching on TV,” Shah said. “Sonia ji, 140 crore people are watching you. This sin you have committed will never be forgiven by the people of this country. How can anyone even dream of leaving the anthem Vande Mataram incomplete? The people of Congress should feel ashamed,” he added. Shah also demanded that the Congress apologise to the people and to Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, the author of Vande Mataram. “If there is any shame left, you should fold your hands and apologise to Bankim Babu's immortal spirit and the people,” Shah said. The controversy started after visuals from the Congress headquarters’ Independence Day event showed senior party leaders speaking among themselves while Vande Mataram was being recited. BJP leaders later alleged that the conduct amounted to disrespect towards the national song. Also Read: WATCH | PM Modi's morning routine with cows and peacocks before I-Day speech goes viral BJP leader Amit Malviya also criticised Sonia Gandhi, alleging that she had objected to the complete rendition of Vande Mataram. He claimed that Gandhi became ‘agitated’ after the initial stanzas were sung and asked for the rendition to be stopped. Malviya claimed that Rahul Gandhi appeared to signal that the song should end. The Congress rejected the allegations, maintaining that Sonia Gandhi’s actions had nothing to do with stopping the national song. The party said she was only attempting to ensure that the appropriate arrangements were made for the rendition at the event. Shah also linked the controversy to what he described as the Congress’s political approach, alleging that the party had “forgotten Vande Mataram due to vote-bank politics”. He recalled the role of Vande Mataram in India’s freedom struggle, saying thousands of people had faced bullets, lathis and imprisonment for singing the song. “After 80 years of Independence, Vande Mataram was sung at the Red Fort and all other places where flag hoisting was held,” Shah said. Shah was addressing the gathering in Chittorgarh during the ‘Atal Gaurav Smriti Samaroh’. He also unveiled a 21-foot-tall statue of former Prime Minister and Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee in Nimbahera on his death anniversary. Speaking about Vajpayee’s legacy, Shah highlighted several major decisions taken during his tenure, including India’s emergence as a nuclear power despite international pressure following the Pokhran tests. Earlier, Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma said the country’s borders were becoming safer under Shah’s leadership and highlighted various government initiatives benefiting Rajasthan. He also credited Shah with playing an important role in tackling Left-wing extremism and implementing the country’s new criminal laws.

Amit Shah accused Congress of disrespecting Vande Mataram and demanded an apology from Sonia Gandhi over the alleged disruption at the party event

'This sin will never be forgiven': Amit Shah targets Sonia Gandhi over Vande Mataram row

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'Look at their shamelessness': Amit Shah attacks Congress over Vande Mataram row