A political controversy erupted on Independence Day after the BJP alleged that Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi attempted to stop the full rendition of ‘Vande Mataram’ during the flag-hoisting ceremony at the Congress headquarters in New Delhi.

The Congress has rejected the allegation, saying the full version of the national song was sung at the event and that nobody interrupted it. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said Sonia Gandhi’s gestures during the programme were being misinterpreted.

Congress Issues Clarification

According to Jairam Ramesh, Sonia Gandhi was not objecting to ‘Vande Mataram’. He said she was instead signalling for a chair to be brought for Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, who had been standing for a long time.

Ramesh maintained that the complete rendition of ‘Vande Mataram’ was performed in accordance with the prescribed protocol and that there was no attempt to stop the song. Congress leader Pawan Khera also rejected the allegation, saying there was no disruption during the rendition.

What Does the New Vande Mataram Law Say?

The Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026 extends statutory protection to ‘Vande Mataram’, placing it under the same legal framework that protects the national anthem. Parliament passed the legislation in July, and it received presidential assent.

Under the amended law, intentionally preventing the singing of ‘Vande Mataram’ or causing a disturbance to an assembly engaged in its rendition can attract imprisonment of up to three years, a fine, or both.

Debate Over Full Rendition

The new protocol and legal protection for ‘Vande Mataram’ have also triggered political debate. Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has questioned the practicality of making the full rendition compulsory, arguing that respect for the national song cannot simply be created through legislation.

The latest controversy at the Congress headquarters has added another political dimension to the wider debate over the national song and its place in official ceremonies.

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