Bengal fuming: Suvendu Adhikari hits out at Sonia Gandhi over Vande Mataram row

Kolkata, August 15: A political controversy has erupted over the national song Vande Mataram after Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Suvendu Adhikari accused Congress leader Sonia Gandhi of not singing it during an Independence Day event. Adhikari, who is the Leader of Opposition in the West Bengal Legislative Assembly, claimed that the entire state is fuming over the alleged disrespect shown to the song.

Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Adhikari said, “The entire Bengal is fuming. Sonia Gandhi did not sing Vande Mataram at the Independence Day function. This is an insult to the national song and the sentiments of the people.” He further alleged that the Congress leader’s action reflects the party’s attitude towards India’s cultural heritage.

Vande Mataram, written by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, holds a significant place in India’s freedom struggle. It was a rallying cry for revolutionaries and was adopted as the national song in 1950, equal in status with the national anthem. Over the years, it has occasionally become a symbol of political contestation, with various parties accusing rivals of disrespecting it.

This is not the first time that the song has been at the centre of political debate. In 2006, a controversy had arisen when certain Muslim organisations objected to the compulsory singing of Vande Mataram in schools, leading to a nationwide discussion. More recently, political leaders have used the song to question the patriotism of their opponents.

Adhikari’s remarks come at a time when political rivalry in West Bengal is intense, particularly between the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the BJP. While TMC supremo and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has often criticised the BJP for its aggressive tactics, Adhikari, who switched from TMC to BJP in 2021, has been vocal in targeting opposition parties, including the Congress.

The Congress party, which is part of the opposition INDIA alliance, has not yet officially responded to Adhikari’s allegations. However, political observers note that such incidents are often used by parties to consolidate their support base, especially during election periods.

At an Independence Day function in Delhi, Sonia Gandhi was seen participating in the event, but video footage reportedly shows her not singing Vande Mataram during the proceedings. While BJP leaders have seized upon the visuals to attack the Congress, supporters of Gandhi have dismissed the allegation, saying that the reports are politically motivated and that Gandhi respects all national symbols.

Experts say that the controversy raises questions about how national symbols are used in political discourse. “Vande Mataram is a song that unites all Indians, but when it becomes a tool for political point-scoring, it loses its significance,” said political analyst Ranjan Mitra. “It is important for leaders to focus on larger issues rather than creating divisions over such matters.”

The development has also triggered reactions on social media, with hashtags such as #VandeMataram and #SoniaGandhi trending. While some users supported Adhikari’s criticism, others accused him of seeking attention.

Meanwhile, the role of the national song in public life continues to be a subject of debate. While it is mandatory to play Vande Mataram at official government functions in some states, there is no rule requiring individuals to sing it. The incident highlights the often emotionally charged nature of national symbols in India’s political landscape.