NEW DELHI, Aug 16: A complaint has been filed with the Delhi Police seeking an FIR against Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi over an alleged incident involving the singing of “Vande Mataram” at the Congress headquarters during the Independence Day programme.
The complaint was submitted at the IP Estate police station on August 16, a day after the event. The complainant has asked the police to conduct a detailed and impartial inquiry into what happened during the rendition of the national song and examine video recordings of the programme.
According to the complaint, “Vande Mataram” was being sung during the function when Sonia Gandhi allegedly made certain gestures after the opening portion of the song was completed. The complainant has claimed that the gestures could be interpreted as an objection to the song being continued.
The complaint also refers to a video from the event and alleges that Rahul Gandhi was heard making a remark suggesting that the Congress leaders were not singing “Vande Mataram”. The complainant has urged the police to verify the video and other available evidence before deciding on further legal action.
The incident has led to a fresh political dispute between the BJP and the Congress. BJP leaders have accused the Congress leadership of showing disrespect to the national song and have demanded an explanation from Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge.
The Congress has rejected the allegations and said the incident has been portrayed in a misleading manner. The party has maintained that there was no attempt to stop the singing of “Vande Mataram”. Congress leaders have also said that Sonia Gandhi’s gesture was related to party president Mallikarjun Kharge and was not intended to interrupt the national song.
The controversy comes amid a wider political debate over “Vande Mataram” and its place in the country’s national life. The complaint has now put the matter before the Delhi Police, which will examine the allegations and available evidence before taking any further decision.
