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The clarification came after a video showing Sonia Gandhi and Kharge allegedly signalling during the rendition of ‘Vande Mataram’ drew criticism.
The full Vande Mataram, was played at 80th Independence Day celebrations held at Congress headquarters today (ANI)
The Congress on Saturday defended party leader Sonia Gandhi amid a controversy over her alleged gestures during the rendition of ‘Vande Mataram’ at the Congress headquarters during the Independence Day celebrations.
Explaining the incident, the Congress said there was movement in the background and that Sonia Gandhi was trying to ensure that a chair was arranged for party president Mallikarjun Kharge, who is elderly and had been standing for a long time.
“There was some movement happening in the background. Apart from that, Sonia Gandhi wanted a chair to be arranged for Kharge because he is an elderly person and had been standing for a long time. During the protest with Rahul Gandhi at the Prime Minister’s residence, his health had also deteriorated, and he had to be taken away midway,” the Congress said.
The party further clarified that Sonia Gandhi’s actions had nothing to do with the national song being played at the venue.
“At that very moment, Vande Mataram began playing. There was nothing related to Vande Mataram. She herself was singing it. It was simply Sonia Gandhi trying to ensure that arrangements were maintained,” the Congress said.
#WATCH | Delhi: The full Vande Mataram, was played at 80th Independence Day celebrations held at Congress headquarters todayCongress President Mallikarjun Kharge, CPP chairperson Sonia Gandhi and LoP Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and others were present on the occassion pic.twitter.com/BOkL9lbvMQ
— ANI (@ANI) August 15, 2026
The clarification came after a video showing Sonia Gandhi and Kharge allegedly signalling during the rendition of ‘Vande Mataram’ drew criticism.
During the flag-hoisting ceremony at the Congress headquarters, the full version of ‘Vande Mataram’ was sung.
‘Vote-Bank Politics’
The BJP’s Gujarat unit accused the Congress of insulting the national song over the incident.
BJP Gujarat posted on X, “The Congress party has once again insulted the national song ‘Vande Mataram’ and exposed its mentality.”
“For vote-bank politics, Congress has once again insulted Vande Mataram,” they added.
Full Version Of ‘Vande Mataram’ Played At Red Fort
The full version of ‘Vande Mataram’ was rendered for the first time during the Independence Day celebrations at Delhi’s Red Fort on Saturday, marking a significant moment in the country’s official celebrations.
The National Song was performed at the start of the programme, followed by the National Anthem. Prime Minister Narendra Modi then addressed the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort after the renditions of both ‘Vande Mataram’ and the National Anthem.
Key Questions Answered
Ask News18The BJP criticised Sonia Gandhi’s actions because a video allegedly showed her and Mallikarjun Kharge signalling during the rendition of ‘Vande Mataram’ at the Independence Day celebrations.
Ask News18About the Author
Aanchal is the Sub-Editor at News18.com, with more than four years of experience in national and international news. My work involves covering breaking news, politics, current affairs and developments…Read More
August 15, 2026, 12:43 IST
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