Delhi BJP Chief Demands Congress Apology Over ‘Vande Mataram’ Controversy
Harsh Malhotra accuses Congress of disrespecting the National Song and demands clarification over an alleged attempt to stop its singing at the party headquarters.
NEW DELHI, AUGUST 16, 2026: Delhi BJP president Harsh Malhotra has demanded an apology from the Congress over a reported incident involving the singing of “Vande Mataram” at the party's headquarters on Independence Day.
Malhotra strongly condemned the reported episode and described it as an alleged “insult to the nation”, while also claiming that parliamentary rules were violated.
WHAT HAPPENED
Addressing party workers after Independence Day celebrations at the Delhi BJP office, Malhotra alleged that there had been an attempt to prevent the singing of “Vande Mataram” at the Congress headquarters.
He demanded that the Congress clarify its position and questioned whether the reported incident reflected opposition to the National Song or to the cultural symbolism associated with Bharat Mata.
The allegations were made by Malhotra; the supplied report does not include a response from the Congress to the claims.
BJP'S RESPONSE
Malhotra called for the Congress to apologise to the country, and also sought an explanation from the party's leadership.
He argued that “Vande Mataram” holds an important place in India's national history and referred to its recognition as the National Song in 1950.
INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATIONS
Earlier, Malhotra led BJP workers in hoisting the National Flag at the Delhi BJP office.
He also highlighted the singing of “Vande Mataram” at the Red Fort during the Independence Day celebrations and praised the development issues discussed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his address.
OTHER ISSUES RAISED
Malhotra highlighted several themes from the Prime Minister's Independence Day address, including:
India's development achievements
Greater participation of women in nation-building
Opportunities for youth in education and employment
Women's reservation
Participation of BJP workers in the upcoming Census exercise
He said young BJP workers would help ensure that Census forms are properly completed, beginning with their own families and extending to the wider community.
POLITICAL CONTEXT
The remarks have added another point of political contention between the BJP and Congress following Independence Day events. The allegation regarding the reported interruption of “Vande Mataram” remains a claim by the Delhi BJP, and no Congress response was provided in the supplied report.
