Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma intensified his criticism of Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi on Monday. His remarks were in response to a recent controversy involving the singing of Vande Mataram at the Congress party’s headquarters during the Independence Day celebrations. This incident has sparked a debate about nationalism and the role of political parties in commemorating national events.
Sarma said the conduct of the Congress leadership during the rendition of the national song raised questions about how the party would govern if it returned to power.
Sarma also accused the Congress leadership of trying to create unrest by encouraging protests in the name of Gen Z. The video shows senior Congress leaders, including Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge, during the rendition of Vande Mataram. BJP leaders have interpreted gestures in the footage as an attempt to interrupt the song, while the Congress has rejected that interpretation. The issue has since turned into a political confrontation, with BJP leaders accusing the Congress of disrespecting the national song. A complaint seeking action against Sonia and Rahul Gandhi over the alleged disruption is also being examined by the Delhi Police.
The controversy began after footage from the August 15 programme at the Congress headquarters in New Delhi surfaced on social media.
Sarma said the conduct of the Congress leadership during the rendition of the national song raised questions about how the party would govern if it returned to power. “During Vande Mataram, the way Sonia Gandhi behaved and the song was stopped midway clearly indicates that if Congress mistakenly comes to power, the country will face a worse situation,” Sarma said.
