The BJP stated on Sunday that the Congress party follows a policy of opposing patriotic symbols and questioned whether anyone who supports India’s sovereignty would object to Vande Mataram being performed on Independence Day. The party called on the Congress to issue a public apology within 24 hours for what it described as an insult to the national song. The comments followed reports that Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge had shown disrespect when the song was performed at their party’s event on Friday. The Congress rejected the claims, stating there was no effort to halt the full rendition and that Sonia Gandhi had only requested a chair for Kharge after he had stood for an extended period. At a press conference, BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari said the incident reflected a mindset opposed to national symbols. He asked whether any person who respects the Constitution, the national flag, freedom fighters and India’s unity could feel anger toward the song on Independence Day. Bhandari accused the Congress of insulting freedom fighters, the Constitution and the country’s people. He referenced a video in which Sonia Gandhi allegedly gestured twice to stop the performance. He also claimed Rahul Gandhi was heard saying the song was unnecessary after it ended. The spokesperson demanded an apology to citizens angered by the conduct and questioned Rahul Gandhi’s suitability as Leader of Opposition. He further noted that the Congress government in Kerala had omitted the song at an official event, suggesting the headquarters incident was not isolated. Bhandari also criticised senior Congress leader P. Chidambaram for embracing the term used by the prime minister in his address.
