A fresh political confrontation emerged between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Indian National Congress following flag-hoisting events at the All India Congress Committee (AICC) headquarters.
The controversy comes against the backdrop of updated Home Ministry guidelines issued in 2026 regarding the recital of the six stanzas of Vande Mataram during official observances. In October 1937, the Congress Working Committee—comprising Mahatma Gandhi, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, C.
Sonia Gandhi reportedly tried to stop party workers while the national song was being performed,” said R.P. That practice continues seamlessly,” said Jairam Ramesh, General Secretary (Communications), AICC. BJP spokesperson R.P. Singh and IT Cell Chief Amit Malviya posted statements alleging that Sonia Gandhi appeared displeased during the recital of Vande Mataram and instructed party workers to halt the song. Malviya further alleged that Rahul Gandhi gestured to stop the rendition after the initial stanzas were sung. “Why is there such aversion to Vande Mataram? Singh, BJP National Spokesperson. Senior Congress leadership issued prompt clarifications, maintaining that the event proceeded smoothly and without any disruption. “There is no dispute whatsoever regarding Vande Mataram. Rajagopalachari, and Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru—decided on the advice of Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore that the opening lines would be sung at organizational events. Party leaders Pawan Khera and former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot also refuted the allegations, calling the BJP’s claims manufactured and factually incorrect.
Earlier reporting noted: The Congress, however, insisted that Gandhi was only asking for a chair for party chief Mallikarjun Kharge. Earlier reporting noted: BJP Claims Sonia Gandhi Tried To Stop Singing Of Vande Mataram, Congress Denies BJP Claims Sonia Gandhi Tried To Stop Singing Of Vande Mataram, Congress Denies BJP Claims Sonia Gandhi Tried To Stop Singing Of Vande Mataram, Congress Denies Earlier reporting noted: The Congress’ Independence Day event in Delhi saw a controversy erupt on Saturday, with the BJP accusing Sonia Gandhi of objecting to the full version of Vande Mataram being played.
