Mohan Yadav Accuses Sonia and Rahul Gandhi of Disrespecting Vande Mataram, Seeks Apology
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister says the national song was insulted at a Congress Independence Day event; Congress has denied the allegation.
BHOPAL, August 16, 2026: Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has accused senior Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi of disrespecting the national song Vande Mataram and called for an apology to the country.
Yadav's remarks followed allegations by BJP leaders that Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge showed disrespect during the singing of Vande Mataram at a Congress Independence Day programme on Saturday.
BJP ALLEGATIONS
BJP leaders have alleged that the singing of Vande Mataram was disrupted during the Congress event and claimed that Sonia Gandhi objected to the performance of the song's complete version.
The Congress has denied the allegations.
Yadav said the song had been insulted and argued that Vande Mataram held a special place in India's freedom movement.
“THEY SHOULD APOLOGISE”
Yadav said senior Congress leaders involved in the incident should acknowledge what he described as a mistake and apologise to the country.
He recalled that Vande Mataram was used as a patriotic song and slogan by freedom fighters during India's struggle for Independence.
He also referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Independence Day programme, where the complete version of Vande Mataram was sung at the Red Fort.
SIGNIFICANCE OF VANDE MATARAM
Yadav said Vande Mataram became widely known during the freedom movement and was associated with the sacrifices made by those who fought against British rule.
He described any disrespect towards the national song as condemnable.
NEW LAW ON NATIONAL SONG
The chief minister also referred to legislation passed by Parliament last month that, according to the source report, makes insulting Vande Mataram a punishable offence.
The legislation gives the national song a status on par with the National Anthem, Jana Gana Mana, according to the report.
POLITICAL CONTROVERSY
The dispute has added another point of confrontation between the BJP and Congress during the Independence Day period.
While BJP leaders have demanded accountability from the Congress leadership, the Congress has rejected the accusations concerning Sonia Gandhi's alleged objection to the complete version of Vande Mataram.
KEY POINTS
MP CM Mohan Yadav accused Sonia and Rahul Gandhi of disrespecting Vande Mataram.
BJP leaders also named Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge in their allegations.
Congress has denied the allegations.
Yadav demanded an apology to the nation.
He highlighted Vande Mataram's role in India's freedom struggle.
He referred to the complete version being sung at the Red Fort on Independence Day.
The source report says Parliament recently passed legislation making insult to Vande Mataram punishable.
