Bengaluru | August 16, 2026
Janata Dal (Secular) National Spokesperson Sudhakar S. Shetty has strongly criticised the conduct of senior Congress leaders during the rendition of Vande Mataram at the Congress party’s Independence Day celebrations, saying the episode has understandably caused anguish among citizens for whom the National Song represents the sacrifices, unity and patriotic spirit of India’s freedom movement.
Referring to the widely circulated video of the programme, Shetty said the gestures and exchanges involving Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Smt. Sonia Gandhi and Congress President and Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Shri Mallikarjun Kharge have created a serious public perception that the rendition of Vande Mataram was being interrupted or sought to be curtailed.
The Congress has subsequently explained that the gestures were related to arranging a chair for Shri Kharge and has maintained that the full rendition was ultimately completed. However, the explanation does not erase the legitimate concern and disappointment expressed by citizens who watched the episode, particularly because it involved some of the country’s most senior political leaders during an Independence Day programme.
Vande Mataram Belongs to the Entire Nation
“Vande Mataram is not the property of any political party or political ideology. It belongs to India. It inspired generations of freedom fighters and occupies an honoured place in our national consciousness.
Political differences are natural in a democracy, but national symbols and traditions that unite Indians must never become casualties of political differences. Senior political leaders must demonstrate the highest degree of sensitivity and dignity whenever the National Song is being rendered.”
The year 2026 is particularly significant as the nation is commemorating the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram. The Union Government has also formalised protocols for the rendition of the National Song at designated official functions.
Kharge Carries a Special Responsibility
The episode is particularly disappointing because Shri Mallikarjun Kharge is not merely the President of the Congress party; he is also a veteran Parliamentarian and the Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, a position carrying significant constitutional and democratic responsibility.
“Given Shri Kharge’s stature, experience and decades of public life, the people of India naturally expect him to uphold the highest standards of dignity and respect towards national symbols.
When an incident involving the senior leadership of a national political party creates even an impression of disregard towards a cherished national symbol, it inevitably raises questions and exposes the party to avoidable public criticism.”
Patriotism Should Unite India, Not Divide It
The Congress leadership should not dismiss the public sentiment generated by this episode.
“Patriotism should never become a battlefield between political parties. Vande Mataram should unite us, not divide us. Its emotional and historical significance runs deep across India.
National symbols transcend political parties, elections and ideologies. Every political leader, irrespective of party affiliation, has a responsibility to uphold their dignity.”
The conduct of senior leaders at a national occasion is observed not only by millions of Indians but also by the national and international media. Such occasions therefore demand an even greater sense of responsibility and decorum.
Kharge and Congress Leadership Owe the People an Explanation
Calling for accountability and clarity, Shetty said:
“The least Shri Mallikarjun Kharge and the Congress leadership can do is give the people of India an unambiguous explanation regarding what happened. If their conduct during the rendition of Vande Mataram has hurt the sentiments of the people, they should have the humility to apologise.”
“Respect for Vande Mataram is not a political issue. Respect for the National Song is respect for the sacrifices of our freedom fighters and for the sentiment of millions of Indians.”
“Vande Mataram belongs to the entire nation. It should be a source of unity and national pride, not another subject of political controversy.”
Jai Hind. Vande Mataram.
Sudhakar S. Shetty
National Spokesperson
Janata Dal (Secular)
