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🇮🇳 India /Culture & Society

Complaint filed against Sonia, Rahul Gandhi over alleged disrespect to national song

From Hindustan Times · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • A complaint has been filed against Sonia and Rahul Gandhi for allegedly disrespecting the national song 'Vande Mataram'.
  • The complaint cites video footage showing Sonia Gandhi making gestures during the song's rendition and Rahul Gandhi stating, 'We are not singing Vande Mataram'.
  • The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has criticized the Congress leaders over the incident, while the Congress party denies any disrespect.

Senior Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi are facing a complaint for allegedly disrespecting India's national song, 'Vande Mataram', during an Independence Day event at the party headquarters. The complaint, filed by lawyers Kunal Vinayak and Shubh Sharma, centers on video footage that appears to show Sonia Gandhi making gestures during the song's rendition.

Sonia Gandhi appeared to make gestures and communicate with persons present in a manner which, prima facie, appeared to an objection to the continuation of the rendition.

— Complaint FilingDescription of Sonia Gandhi's alleged actions during the national song.

According to the complaint, Sonia Gandhi's actions prima facie suggested an objection to the continuation of the song. Reports also cite allegations that she objected to its complete rendition. Further fueling the controversy, Rahul Gandhi is seen in separate footage stating, 'We are not singing Vande Mataram.' The complainants argue that these actions, particularly when viewed alongside Sonia Gandhi's alleged conduct, raise serious concerns about their intentions towards the national song and its dignity.

We are not singing Vande Mataram.

— Rahul GandhiRahul Gandhi's alleged statement during the national song rendition.

The complaint invokes the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, which provides legal protection for the national song similar to the national anthem. The law stipulates punishment for intentionally preventing the singing of the national song or causing disturbance during its rendition.

The said statement, viewed in the context of the ongoing rendition of the National Song and the conduct attributed to Sonia Gandhi, raises serious concerns regarding the intention behind the alleged acts and conduct of both Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi towards the National Song and its dignity.

— Complaint FilingLawyers' concerns about the alleged disrespect towards the national song.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah criticized the Congress, accusing them of forgetting 'Vande Mataram' due to vote bank politics. BJP leader Amit Malviya also echoed these sentiments. However, the Congress party has stated that Sonia Gandhi's actions were unrelated to the national song being played at the venue.

The Congress forgot Vande Mataram out of greed for vote banks.

— Amit ShahUnion Home Minister's criticism of the Congress party.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Hindustan Times in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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