PANAJI: AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge on Tuesday defended the Congress’ rendition of Vande Mataram at its Independence Day programme in New Delhi, questioning the basis for the controversy and saying the party had followed the version historically sung by Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru.
Speaking after the Goa Congress PAC meeting in South Goa, Kharge questioned why Congress leaders should face a complaint over following a version that had been used by the party for decades. “If this is a crime, file a case against Gandhi Ji; if this is a crime, file it against Nehru Ji; if this is a crime, file it against Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel,” Kharge said.
Kharge said the Congress had passed a resolution on Vande Mataram decades ago and questioned whether the practice should change every time a new government comes to power. “Tomorrow, another government will come. If they say something else, will that be it? We have done exactly what has been going on for 90 years,” he said.
The remarks come amid a political row over a viral video from the Congress’ Independence Day programme at its headquarters in New Delhi on August 15. The footage shows Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi speaking and gesturing towards party president Kharge while the full rendition of Vande Mataram was underway. Rahul Gandhi is also seen making a gesture moments later. The visuals have been interpreted by BJP leaders as an attempt to stop the rendition.
Congress, however, has rejected the allegation, maintaining that there was no attempt to stop the national song. The party has said Sonia Gandhi was asking for a chair for Kharge, who had been standing for some time. The rendition was ultimately completed.
Yesterday, Goa BJP Chief Spokesperson and Vasco MLA Krishna ‘Daji’ Salkar had accused the Congress leadership of insulting Vande Mataram and demanded an apology.
Furthermore, BJP Goa Vice President and former South Goa MP Narendra Sawaikar filed a complaint at Ponda Police Station seeking an FIR over the alleged disruption and disrespect to Vande Mataram during the programme. He also sought an impartial probe into the viral video involving Sonia Gandhi and Kharge.
