A day after a video showing Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge allegedly signalling during the rendition of ‘Vande Mataram’ erupted into a row, Union Home Minister Amit Shah criticised
the Congress, accusing the party of showing “shamelessness” over the national song.
“Look at their (Congress’s) shamelessness. The anthem Vande Mataram was being sung at the Congress Party headquarters. During the anthem, Congress leader Sonia Gandhi told the Congress President to stop singing,” he said.
“We all just kept watching on TV… Sonia ji, 140 crore people are watching you. This sin you have committed will never be forgiven by the people of this country. How can anyone even dream of leaving the anthem Vande Mataram incomplete? The people of Congress should feel ashamed…” Shah added.
The controversy erupted after a video from the flag-hoisting ceremony at the Congress headquarters on Independence Day showed Sonia Gandhi and Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge allegedly signalling during the rendition of ‘Vande Mataram’. The full version of the national song was sung at the event.
The BJP’s Gujarat unit accused the Congress of insulting the national song over the incident. “The Congress party has once again insulted the national song ‘Vande Mataram’ and exposed its mentality,” the party posted on X.
“Sonia ji, the people are watching. This insult to Vande Mataram is something they will never forgive. If there is even a shred of shame left among Congress leaders, they should apologise to the immortal soul of Rishi Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay.”
— Union Home Minister Shri… pic.twitter.com/1kC4pa4C8Z
— Amit Malviya (@amitmalviya) August 16, 2026
“For vote-bank politics, Congress has once again insulted Vande Mataram,” it added.
BJP leader Amit Malviya also accused the Congress leadership of attempting to stop the rendition of the full ‘Vande Mataram’ during the Independence Day celebrations at the party headquarters.
Congress’ Reaction
The Congress defended Sonia Gandhi, saying her gestures had nothing to do with the national song.
Explaining the incident, the party said there was movement in the background and that Sonia Gandhi was trying to ensure a chair was arranged for Kharge, who is elderly and had been standing for a long time.
“There was some movement happening in the background. Apart from that, Sonia Gandhi wanted a chair to be arranged for Kharge because he is an elderly person and had been standing for a long time. During the protest with Rahul Gandhi at the Prime Minister’s residence, his health had also deteriorated, and he had to be taken away midway,” the Congress said.
The party further clarified that Sonia Gandhi’s actions were unrelated to the national song being played at the venue.
