Vande Mataram Row Escalates: BJP Lodges Complaint Against Sonia Gandhi in Karnataka

The political controversy over Vande Mataram has intensified with BJP leaders in Karnataka filing a police complaint against Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi over an incident during the Congress's Independence Day programme in New Delhi. The complaint was filed at the Urwa police station in Mangaluru on August 16.

Alleged Disrespect by BJP

The controversy erupted after visuals at the Congress headquarters showed senior party leaders interacting during the rendition of Vande Mataram. BJP leaders accused Sonia Gandhi and other Congress leaders of insulting the National Song.

Karnataka BJP leader Vikas Puttur had allegedly lodged the complaint, adding a formal police angle to the ongoing political spat. The BJP leaders have also asked the Congress leadership for an explanation.

Congress Denies BJP Allegations

The Congress has strongly denied the allegations made by the BJP. The party said Sonia Gandhi’s actions were being misunderstood and she was looking for arrangements for Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and not trying to stop or disrespect Vande Mataram.

The rival explanations have further aggravated the political confrontation between BJP and Congress with both sides defending their respective positions.

Political Storm Deepens

Now the controversy has gone beyond statements and BJP protests and complaints are being reported from different parts of the country. While the BJP leaders alleged that the Congress was insulting a national symbol, the Congress alleged that the BJP was politicising the issue.

The dispute comes as political parties continue to debate the significance and appropriate rendition of Vande Mataram. The latest complaint in Karnataka is likely to keep the issue in the political spotlight as both parties continue to trade allegations.