BJP seeks Cong.’s apology in row on National Song

What happened at Congress headquarters (Indira Bhawan/AICC), New Delhi

A controversy arose at Congress headquarters in New Delhi (Indira Bhawan/AICC) during Independence Day celebrations after footage reportedly showed Congress leaders gesturing during the National Song Vande Mataram. BJP alleged that Congress leaders tried to prevent the full rendition, and BJP representatives demanded an apology.

Reported claims and denials in the row: BJP’s allegation: BJP alleged that Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi attempted to stop the complete rendition of Vande Mataram, including when all six stanzas were sung.Congress’s response: Congress denied the claim. Congress communications chief Jairam Ramesh said Sonia Gandhi was asking for a chair for Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge while the song was being performed in full.“Hot mic” claim: BJP alleged a “hot mic” moment in which Rahul Gandhi said the Congress was singing its “version” of Vande Mataram, which BJP argued intensified the dispute.BJP spokesperson’s demand: BJP spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi called the scene disrespectful and demanded an apology from the Indian National Congress.

Congress’s historical justification

The Indian National Congress defended its position by pointing to practice attributed to Rabindranath Tagore on how many stanzas should be sung at Congress sessions. Tagore-attributed practice: Jairam Ramesh argued that Tagore suggested only the initial stanzas be sung at Congress sessions.Reference to 1937 Congress Working Committee meeting: Jairam Ramesh cited a 1937 Congress Working Committee meeting in Calcutta where the Tagore-attributed advice was reportedly followed.Reference to earlier political opposition linked to a bill: Jairam Ramesh referenced earlier political opposition linked to a bill concerning alleged insults connected with singing Vande Mataram.