West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has condemned an alleged incident involving Congress leader Sonia Gandhi during the singing of the full version of Vande Mataram, demanding an unconditional apology from her.
Addressing media at Nabanna, the state secretariat, Adhikari alleged that Sonia had displayed “annoyance, objection and opposition” while the national song was being performed. He claimed that footage of the incident, including a live telecast and a video that subsequently went viral, left “no scope” for the Congress to deny what had happened.
Adhikari described Vande Mataram as a symbol of patriotism and nationalism and said that insulting the song amounted to disrespecting its creator, literary figure Rishi Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay.
His remarks come as the country observes the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram, with programmes being organised across the country to commemorate the national song. Adhikari also highlighted the song’s place in India’s freedom movement, particularly during the protests against the 1905 Partition of Bengal.
Referring to the historical significance of the song, Adhikari said Vande Mataram, which appeared in Bankim Chandra’s novel Anandamath, became an important rallying cry during the freedom struggle. He cited nationalist leader Bipin Chandra Pal’s reference to Swadeshi, boycott and Vande Mataram as key forces behind the movement during that period.
Adhikari further claimed that Sumitra Chattopadhyay, a member of Bankim Chandra’s family, had written to Sonia Gandhi and Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge expressing her objection to the alleged incident.
“I do not expect anything from the Congress members in West Bengal,” Adhikari said, questioning whether they would speak out on the issue. He added that the response from Sonia and Mallikarjun to Chattopadhyay’s letter would be awaited.
The BJP leader also referred to measures concerning the singing and promotion of Vande Mataram in West Bengal. He said the state government had made its singing during prayers mandatory in government and government-aided educational institutions.
He further announced that the state government plans to establish a national-standard Vande Mataram Museum in West Bengal this year as part of the 150th-anniversary commemorations.
Concluding his statement, Adhikari said he was condemning the alleged insult “on behalf of the people of West Bengal” and reiterated his demand for an unconditional apology from those responsible.
The Congress has yet to respond to Adhikari’s allegations.
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