“Book Mahatma Gandhi Too”: Kharge Defends Congress Leaders Amid Vande Mataram Row

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Tuesday questioned the basis of a police complaint filed against party leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi over an alleged attempt to disrupt the singing of Vande Mataram at the Congress headquarters. Kharge argued that the version of the national song sung by the Congress was consistent with the form historically rendered by several prominent leaders. He added that if singing that version constituted an offence, complaints should also be filed against figures including Mahatma Gandhi and former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru.

The controversy began during the Independence Day celebrations at the Congress headquarters on Saturday, after Kharge unfurled the Tricolour and a rendition of Vande Mataram followed. The BJP criticised Sonia Gandhi after she was alleged to have gestured towards Kharge and communicated with the singers while the full version was being performed. Congress leaders rejected the allegation, maintaining that Sonia Gandhi was attempting to arrange a chair for Kharge because he was unable to stand for a prolonged period.

Congress leader Udit Raj described the allegation as false and maintained that Sonia Gandhi's gestures were related to the arrangements at the event rather than an attempt to stop the national song. The controversy subsequently escalated, with a complaint being filed with the Delhi Police on Monday against Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi. The complaint sought registration of an FIR over the alleged disruption of the rendition at the Congress headquarters.

Also Read: Vande Mataram Row: Congress Accuses Amit Shah Of Distracting From Government Failures

Kharge defended the Congress's position while speaking to reporters, pointing to the party's long-standing practice of singing the same version of Vande Mataram. He argued that the Congress had followed the same practice for years and referred to its historical association with leaders including Mahatma Gandhi and Nehru. Kharge also referred to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Prime Minister Narendra Modi while questioning why the Congress should face legal action for a rendition that has been used previously.

The controversy also continued at a Congress event in Goa on Monday, where Kharge and other party leaders sang Vande Mataram before the start of a state Congress convention. Kharge sang the first two stanzas on that occasion. The issue has gained political significance amid a broader debate over the manner in which the national song should be rendered at public and official events.

Earlier this year, the Centre made the complete rendition of Vande Mataram mandatory at specified public gatherings, schools and official government functions. Parliament has also passed legislation making intentional obstruction, disruption or prevention of the singing of Vande Mataram a criminal offence. The complaint against Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi and Kharge's response have added a fresh political dimension to the ongoing debate over the national song and its prescribed rendition.

Also Read: BJP Criticises Kerala Over Decision To Skip ‘Vande Mataram’ At Event