BJP files police complaints against Sonia Gandhi over Vande Mataram row

The BJP Yuva Morcha has filed a police complaint in Bengaluru against Congress leader Sonia Gandhi, alleging she disrespected the national song Vande Mataram during the Independence Day flag-hoisting ceremony at the Congress party headquarters in Delhi on August 15. Separately, a complaint has been lodged with Delhi Police seeking an FIR against both Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, demanding a probe under the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, after visuals showed the leaders speaking among themselves while the song was being recited.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah led the BJP's charge, accusing Congress of shamelessness for allegedly trying to stop the rendition. The Congress rejected the allegations. Party general secretary K C Venugopal called it a communication issue, saying the party deeply respects Vande Mataram and accusing the BJP of weaponising patriotism. The Bengaluru complaint, filed at Malleswaram station, has not yet resulted in an FIR. Protests also took place in Srinagar, where BJP spokesperson Altaf Thakur accused Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and Mallikarjun Kharge of disrespecting the national song.