A political controversy erupted on Saturday after a video from the Congress Independence Day programme in New Delhi appeared to show Sonia Gandhi and party president Mallikarjun Kharge making gestures during the rendition of Vande Mataram.
Rahul Gandhi was also seen making a similar gesture moments later. The footage quickly circulated on social media, with BJP leaders and critics accusing the Congress leadership of showing disrespect towards the National Song.
Congress leader Ashok Gehlot, however, dismissed the controversy. Responding to questions from reporters, he said there was no controversy and suggested that the party leadership or Jairam Ramesh would explain the Congress position.
The row comes amid a broader political debate over Vande Mataram and its complete rendition. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has criticised the Congress over the historical decision to retain only the first two stanzas for official recognition as the National Song.
Written by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, Vande Mataram became an important part of India’s freedom movement. The latest controversy is likely to intensify the ongoing BJP-Congress political battle over the song.