BJP Protests Over Alleged Vande Mataram Disrespect by Congress Leaders

A political firestorm has erupted across India following allegations that senior Congress leaders showed disrespect to the national song, Vande Mataram, during Independence Day celebrations at the party's headquarters in New Delhi on August 15. The controversy has sparked nationwide protests, police complaints, and a sharp war of words between the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party and the opposition Congress.

The dispute centers on video footage from the August 15 event at the AICC headquarters, which shows senior leaders, including Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, speaking amongst themselves while Vande Mataram was being recited. The Bharatiya Janata Party has seized on the visuals, alleging a deliberate attempt to halt the song midway. Union Home Minister Amit Shah accused Congress leader Sonia Gandhi of telling the party president to stop singing during the anthem. "Look at their Congress shamelessness," Shah said, claiming the act was witnessed by 140 crore Indians.

The BJP has mobilized nationwide, organizing street protests in multiple states and lodging police complaints. Protests were held outside Congress offices in Srinagar and Mumbai, while BJP workers in Begusarai,...