BJP Leader Files Police Complaint Against Sonia Gandhi as Vande Mataram Row Escalates

A Karnataka BJP leader has lodged a police complaint against Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi, alleging disrespect towards the national song Vande Mataram during Independence Day celebrations at the Congress headquarters in New Delhi. The complaint has added a legal dimension to a political controversy that has rapidly intensified over the past two days.

The complaint was filed at a police station in Karnataka on Sunday, with the BJP claiming that Gandhi attempted to halt or object to the full rendition of Vande Mataram during the August 15 event. The party has demanded action against her over the incident.

What Triggered The Controversy?

The row stems from a video recorded during the Congress party's Independence Day programme in New Delhi. BJP leaders alleged that Sonia Gandhi gestured while Vande Mataram was being sung and sought to stop the performance before its completion.

The Congress has strongly rejected the allegation. Party leaders said Gandhi was not objecting to the song and was instead asking for a chair for Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge during the event. According to the party, the BJP has misrepresented the footage for political purposes.

BJP Sharpens Attack

The BJP has stepped up its criticism, describing the episode as an insult to a symbol of national pride. Several party leaders have publicly demanded an apology from Sonia Gandhi and the Congress leadership.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah also targeted the Congress over the controversy, accusing the party of disrespecting Vande Mataram and linking the issue to what he described as vote-bank politics. Congress leaders have dismissed those accusations.

Political Battle Intensifies

The dispute has triggered reactions beyond Karnataka. BJP leaders in different states have weighed in, while Congress leaders have maintained that the allegations are baseless and politically motivated.

With a police complaint now on record and political rhetoric continuing to escalate, the Vande Mataram controversy is set to remain a flashpoint between the BJP and Congress in the coming days.