Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched a fierce attack on the Congress party and Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi on Sunday. He accused the opposition leadership of insulting the national song Vande Mataram during an Independence Day event at the Congress headquarters in New Delhi.
Speaking at a public gathering in Nimbahera, Chittorgarh, where he unveiled a 21-foot statue of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Shah stated that the people of India would never forgive what he termed a grave sin. He said the act was driven by vote-bank politics.
Allegations of Stopping the National Song Midway
Addressing the rally in Rajasthan, Amit Shah referenced video clips circulating from the Congress headquarters during their Independence Day celebrations.
He alleged that Sonia Gandhi asked Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge to stop the rendition. This occurred while Vande Mataram was being actively recited by party workers.
Shah called the act a display of sheer political shamelessness that humiliated the country’s national song on live television.
He asserted that millions of citizens witnessed the moment. Moreover, he questioned how any political leader could even think of leaving Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay’s immortal national song incomplete.
Historical Significance and Accusations of Appeasement
The Home Minister highlighted the sacrifices made during the Indian freedom struggle. He reminded the crowd that thousands of revolutionaries went to the gallows while chanting Vande Mataram.
He argued that the song inspired patriots to face bullets. It also inspired many to endure brutal police lathi charges, and spend years behind bars to liberate the nation.
Shah accused the Congress party of intentionally side-lining the historic chant. He said this was due to its long-standing greed for appeasement and vote-bank tactics.
He demanded an immediate public apology from the Congress leadership to 140 crore Indians. He also demanded an apology to the memory of Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay.
Congress Refutes Charges and Defends Event Protocol
The Bharatiya Janata Party amplified the controversy across digital platforms. BJP leaders alleged that both Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi signaled to cut the recitation short.
However, the Congress party firmly rejected the allegations. They maintained that the national song was performed in full according to proper event protocols.
Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh clarified that Sonia Gandhi was merely ensuring proper organizational arrangements for the stage. He stated she had not disrespected the anthem.
The opposition party reiterated its historic association with Vande Mataram. Additionally, they accused the ruling BJP of fabricating controversies to divert public attention from pressing national issues.
Curated news reports, in-depth analysis, and special features by India’s Opinion editorial team.
