BJP and Congress Trade Accusations Over Vande Mataram Rendition

The BJP has demanded an apology from the Congress leadership, alleging that Sonia Gandhi gestured to stop the full rendition of Vande Mataram during Independence Day celebrations.

Congress communications chief Jairam Ramesh rejected the claim, stating that Gandhi was merely requesting a chair for party president Mallikarjun Kharge during the event.

The dispute follows the passage of the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Act, 2026, which mandates strict observance of the national song.