Union Home Minister Amit Shah attacks Sonia Gandhi and the Congress over an alleged “Vande Mataram” row during Independence Day celebrations at the AICC headquarters. Shah says Sonia Gandhi asked that the national song be stopped midway and calls on Congress to apologise for the alleged insult.
Shah raises the issue at a public meeting in Chittorgarh, Rajasthan. The Congress rejects the allegations, saying the full song was sung during the event. Jairam Ramesh argues the party’s position is supported by historical context around the song’s rendition.
The controversy is also linked, according to one outlet, to recent legislation dealing with disrespect to the national song. Coverage across outlets focuses on Shah’s charge and Congress’s denial, with differing emphasis on alleged details of what happened and the Congress’ justification for its actions.
