On the occasion of India's 78th Independence Day, a significant political controversy has emerged from the national headquarters of the Indian National Congress. While the country celebrated the spirit of freedom, a video from the flag-hoisting ceremony at the Congress office has gone viral on social media platforms, triggering a heated debate between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress. The dispute centers on the rendition of the national song, Vande Mataram, and the perceived actions of senior Congress leaders during its performance.
Absence from Red Fort and Ceremony at Congress HQ
For the second consecutive year, Mallikarjun Kharge, the National President of the Congress, and Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, decided not to attend the official government program organized at the historic Red Fort. Instead, the top leadership gathered at the Congress national office to hoist the tricolor. The ceremony was attended by several senior leaders, including former Congress President Sonia Gandhi, while mallikarjun Kharge performed the flag-hoisting honors in the presence of the party's top brass. Interestingly, it was noted that for the first time, the full national song was played during the official program at the Red Fort, while the Congress headquarters also saw a full rendition of the song, which eventually became the focal point of the controversy.
The Viral Video and BJP's Allegations
The controversy gained momentum after a video from the Congress office surfaced, showing the leaders during the Vande Mataram recital, while the BJP has accused the Congress of insulting the national song. The Gujarat BJP's social media account shared the video, stating that the Congress has once again exposed its mindset by insulting Vande Mataram for the sake of its vote bank. In the viral footage, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge is seen standing for the flag hoisting with Sonia Gandhi by his side and Rahul Gandhi standing a short distance away. As the national song played, the video captured specific moments that led to the allegations. During the third stanza, Rahul Gandhi was seen looking towards Sonia Gandhi and Kharge. By the time the fourth stanza began, the camera focused on Sonia Gandhi, who appeared to be expressing disagreement or concern about something and was seen speaking to Mallikarjun Kharge. A party worker also approached them to listen, but shortly after, the situation appeared to calm down, and all leaders remained standing until the completion of the song.
Conflicting Statements from Congress Workers
The incident has drawn varied explanations from those present at the Indira Bhavan Independence Day program. Some workers suggested that Sonia Gandhi was merely gesturing to arrange a chair for Mallikarjun Kharge, while others claimed she was asking for water. However, a statement by a worker named Shakeel Ahmed added a different dimension to the debate, while he stated, "It has always been a tradition in the Congress to sing only two stanzas of Vande Mataram because the party is secular, and the subsequent lines might cause discomfort to people from other communities. " This statement has further fueled the BJP's narrative regarding the party's stance on national symbols.
Official Clarifications from Congress Leadership
When questioned about the incident, senior Congress leader and former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot downplayed the matter, stating that no controversy had occurred. He suggested that further details or clarifications should be sought from the Congress high command or senior leader Jairam Ramesh. Subsequently, Jairam Ramesh addressed the allegations, categorically denying any attempt to stop the national song, while he clarified that there was no intention to interrupt Vande Mataram and that Sonia Gandhi was simply speaking to ensure that a seat was provided for Mallikarjun Kharge. Despite these clarifications, the political storm continues as both parties trade charges over the sanctity of national traditions during Independence Day celebrations.