‘Congress Forgot Vande Mataram for Vote Bank Politics’: Amit Shah’s Sharp Attack in Chittorgarh

New Delhi: The very next day of Independence Day, a new dispute arose between BJP and Congress regarding 'Vande Mataram'. BJP raised questions on Sonia Gandhi's behaviour after a video surfaced of her singing the national anthem during a programme organised at the Congress headquarters on August 15. Union Home Minister Amit Shah, raising the same issue in the meeting in Chittorgarh on Sunday, accused Congress of insulting the national anthem and asked the party to apologise. Congress termed the allegation as false and said that at that time Sonia Gandhi was hinting at arranging a chair for Mallikarjun Kharge.

What happened in the Congress programme?

In the Independence Day programme, 'Vande Mataram' was sung in the presence of Congress leaders and workers. BJP leaders raised questions about the gesture of Sonia Gandhi and other leaders during the programme. He says that while the full version of the song was being sung, Sonia Gandhi raised objection about it. After the video surfaced, different claims started being made on social media regarding this incident.

Why did Amit Shah make such a scathing attack on Congress?

In the Chittorgarh meeting, Amit Shah strongly attacked Congress on this issue. He said that on the occasion of Independence Day, 'Vande Mataram' was sung across the country, but the incident that came out from the Congress headquarters is very unfortunate. Shah alleged that Congress has forgotten respect for the national anthem due to vote bank politics. He demanded Congress apologise to the public.

What is BJP's claim about Sonia Gandhi?

BJP leaders say Sonia Gandhi's behaviour in the video indicates that she was uncomfortable singing the full version of 'Vande Mataram'. BJP alleged that he questioned party leaders and workers regarding the song. Party leaders attacked it, linking it to the Congress's attitude towards the freedom movement and the national anthem.

What clarification did Congress give on BJP's allegation?

Congress has termed the entire allegation false. According to the party, Sonia Gandhi was not giving any instructions to stop 'Vande Mataram'. Congress said that at that time Mallikarjun Kharge was standing for a long time and Sonia Gandhi was indicating to arrange a chair for him. The party also clarified that the singing of the song continued without any interruption at the event.

Did the video increase the conflict between BJP-Congress?

After the video surfaced, a round of allegations and counter-allegations started between BJP and Congress. While BJP linked it to the respect of the national anthem, Congress called it a political controversy. The video has now become the center of this entire controversy, with different interpretations coming from both the parties.

Why is the political debate about 'Vande Mataram' important?

'Vande Mataram' has long been an important part of the country's politics and discussion of the freedom movement. This time the controversy has arisen especially over the singing of its full version. Congress MP Jairam Ramesh also said that the party sang the entire song in the program and there is no dispute about it. On the other hand, BJP leaders have sought answers from Congress by linking it to the respect of the national symbol.

Will the demand for apology from Congress continue in future also?

After Amit Shah's statement, BJP's demand for apology from Congress has intensified. Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay's descendant and BJP MLA Sumitro Chatterjee has also demanded an apology from Sonia Gandhi over the alleged incident. Congress, on the other hand, stands firm on its explanation. In such a situation, the controversy that started regarding 'Vande Mataram' may remain an issue of political rhetoric in the coming days also.