Madhya Pradesh CM seeks apology from Sonia, Raul over Vande Mataram row
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has criticised Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi over an alleged controversy surrounding the singing of Vande Mataram at a Congress Independence Day programme.
BJP leaders have accused Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge of showing disrespect to the national song during the party’s August 15 event. Congress has rejected the allegations, including claims that Sonia Gandhi objected to the complete version of the song being performed.
Yadav said the national song had been disrespected and argued that those responsible should apologise to the country.
He referred to the historical role of Vande Mataram in India’s freedom struggle and said the song had become widely recognised as an expression of patriotism. He also pointed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Independence Day programme at the Red Fort, where a complete rendition of the song was performed.
Yadav said the contribution of freedom fighters who used Vande Mataram during the independence movement should be remembered and urged the Congress leadership to acknowledge what he described as a mistake.
The controversy comes after Parliament passed legislation last month giving Vande Mataram a status equivalent to that of the national anthem and providing for punishment in cases involving its insult.