Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday launched a sharp attack on the Congress over a controversy surrounding the rendition of Vande Mataram at the party headquarters on Independence Day, accusing its leaders of disrespecting the National Song.
Addressing a public gathering in Nimbahera, Rajasthan's Chittorgarh, Shah alleged that Congress leader Sonia Gandhi had asked for the rendition to be stopped midway during the party's Independence Day programme.
“Look at their shamelessness,” Shah said, referring to visuals from the Congress headquarters. He alleged that while Vande Mataram was being sung, Gandhi told the Congress president to stop the rendition.
Shah said the alleged action would not be forgiven by the people and questioned how anyone could consider leaving Vande Mataram incomplete.
“Sonia ji, 140 crore people are watching you,” Shah said, accusing her of committing an act that would be remembered by the country.
BJP targets Congress over Independence Day visuals
The controversy began after visuals from the Congress headquarters showed senior party leaders speaking among themselves while Vande Mataram was being recited during the Independence Day programme.
BJP leaders subsequently criticised the Congress, alleging that the conduct of its leaders amounted to disrespect towards the National Song.
BJP leader Amit Malviya claimed that Gandhi had objected to the full rendition after the initial stanzas were sung. He also alleged that Rahul Gandhi appeared to signal that the song should be stopped.
Malviya said the song was nevertheless allowed to continue and was ultimately sung in full.
The BJP's criticism comes amid renewed political focus on Vande Mataram, particularly during the Independence Day celebrations. The National Song has frequently featured in political debates over its historical and national significance.
Congress rejects allegations
The Congress has rejected the BJP's interpretation of the visuals and maintained that Gandhi's actions had nothing to do with stopping Vande Mataram.
The party said she was instead attempting to ensure that the arrangements for the rendition were carried out properly.
The dispute has since turned into another political confrontation between the BJP and Congress, with the two parties offering sharply different interpretations of the events at the Congress headquarters.
Shah made the remarks while addressing a gathering where he unveiled a 21-foot-tall statue of former Prime Minister and Bharat Ratna awardee Atal Bihari Vajpayee in Nimbahera on his death anniversary.
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