West Bengal BJP MLA Sumitro Chatterjee has demanded an unconditional apology from Congress leader Sonia Gandhi, alleging that the national song 'Vande Mataram' was interrupted during Independence Day celebrations at the AICC headquarters. The Congress party has officially denied these claims, stating the interaction was related to providing a chair for Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge. The incident has sparked a political debate between the BJP and the Congress party.
On August 16, 2026, BJP legislator from Naihati, West Bengal, Sumitro Chatterjee, issued a formal demand for an unconditional apology from Congress leader Sonia Gandhi. The demand follows Independence Day celebrations held on August 15 at the All India Congress Committee (AICC) headquarters in New Delhi. Chatterjee, who is a direct descendant of Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, the composer of the national song 'Vande Mataram', alleged that there were repeated attempts to stop the full rendition of the song during the event, which he described as an affront to national heritage.
In his letter to Sonia Gandhi, Chatterjee expressed his disapproval, stating that the event caused significant distress and hurt the sentiments of many citizens. He highlighted the historical significance of 'Vande Mataram' in India's freedom struggle, referencing its prominence since the 1896 Congress session. Chatterjee characterized the alleged interruption as a recurring issue, expressing his disappointment over the Congress leadership's perceived discomfort with the song.
The Congress party has firmly rejected these allegations. Representatives from the party clarified that the incident was misrepresented, explaining that the interaction involving Sonia Gandhi was aimed at arranging a chair for Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, rather than stopping the singing of the national song. The party maintained that the gesture was logistical in nature and not intended as a sign of disrespect.
The situation has drawn attention from senior political figures. Union Home Minister Amit Shah addressed the matter during a public gathering in Rajasthan, where he criticized the Congress party and accused the leadership of being disrespectful toward national symbols. These statements have intensified the political discourse, with both parties presenting conflicting accounts of the Independence Day proceedings.
The controversy underscores the ongoing political friction between the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party and the opposition Congress regarding national identity and heritage. As this issue continues to be discussed in the public domain, the differing narratives from both sides remain a focal point of the current political climate. The incident highlights how events during national celebrations can become central to political debates, often drawing significant scrutiny from the public and media alike.