Sonia, Rahul and Kharge Owe the Nation an Explanation for disrespecting Vande Mataram: Gaurav
JK News Today
Jammu, August 16: BJP spokesperson and Convenor, International Affairs, Gaurav Gupta, on Sunday strongly condemned Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge over their conduct during the rendition of Vande Mataram at the party’s Independence Day function in New Delhi.
Reacting to a video from the event at the Congress headquarters, Gupta alleged that the three senior Congress leaders were seen conversing and making gestures while the complete version of the National Song was being rendered.
Calling the incident “deeply shameful and an affront to the nation’s collective conscience,” Gupta said Vande Mataram was not merely a song but the soul of India’s freedom movement and a powerful expression of devotion to the motherland.
“The conduct of Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge during Vande Mataram has hurt millions of patriotic Indians. At a time when the entire nation was celebrating Independence Day and remembering the sacrifices of its freedom fighters, the Congress leadership displayed an inexplicable discomfort with the very song that inspired generations to fight British rule,” Gupta said.
He alleged that Sonia Gandhi appeared to object to the continuation of the complete rendition, while Rahul Gandhi and Kharge were also seen making gestures during the performance. “Whether it was an attempt to stop the rendition or an act of sheer indifference, the visuals are disturbing and demand an unconditional apology from the Congress leadership,” he added.
Taking a swipe at Rahul Gandhi, Gupta said a person aspiring to lead the country must first demonstrate unwavering respect for its national symbols, freedom struggle and cultural heritage.
“Rahul Gandhi frequently lectures the country on patriotism and the Constitution, but his actions repeatedly expose the widening gap between his speeches and conduct. Mallikarjun Kharge, as Congress president, also cannot escape responsibility for what happened at his party’s official Independence Day celebration,” Gaurav said.
Gupta alleged that the episode reflected Congress’s long-standing politics of appeasement. He said that those who hesitate to honour Vande Mataram cannot claim to represent the spirit and aspirations of India.
“Congress must explain why its top leadership appeared restless during the complete rendition of Vande Mataram. National pride cannot be compromised to suit political convenience or appeasement,” Gupta asserted.
The BJP leader said Vande Mataram, composed by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, inspired countless revolutionaries and freedom fighters to make the supreme sacrifice for India. “Disrespecting it amounts to disrespecting every martyr who marched to the gallows with Vande Mataram on their lips,” he said.
Gupta demanded that Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge publicly clarify their conduct and tender an unconditional apology to the nation.
