Political Leaders Call for Apology After Sonia Gandhi Stops Vande Mataram

New Delhi, August 17 – The interruption of "Vande Mataram" at the Indian National Congress (INC) headquarters by party veteran Sonia Gandhi has provoked sharp rebuke from across the political spectrum. Members of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) have framed the incident as an affront to national unity and insisted that the Congress chief and other senior leaders apologise to the country.

In Kolkata, Union Minister Jayant Chaudhary stressed that the anthem enjoys statutory protection and that citizens must respect both the law and public sentiment. "I cannot fathom why Sonia Gandhi chose to act in this way," he said.

BJP parliamentarian Praveen Khandelwal, referring to a widely shared video, warned that any lapse in showing respect for "Vande Mataram" or "Jana Gana Mana" is unacceptable, insisting that the correct protocol is to stand up instantly when the songs are rendered.

From Hyderabad, Telangana BJP president N. Ramchandra Rao demanded that Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and senior Congress figure Kharge publicly seek forgiveness, noting that the incident sparked outrage not only nationwide but also specifically in West Bengal, where the anthem holds special significance.

Chhattisgarh Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma questioned how anyone could be instructed to halt singing a patriotic song, describing the request as incongruent with Indian democratic values.

Shiv Sena leader Manisha Kayande labelled the act a criminal offence and called for legal action, while BJP spokesperson C.R. Kesavan condemned the move as "shameful" and recalled the British colonial ban of 1905 on public performances of "Vande Mataram", suggesting a disturbing parallel with today's political climate.

The controversy continues to dominate news cycles, with the opposition pressing for an apology and the Congress yet to issue a formal clarification.