BJP lodges complaint against Sonia Gandhi over 'Vande Mataram' controversy

The BJP on Sunday lodged complaints against senior Congress leader Sonia Gandhi in Bengaluru and Mangaluru over an alleged incident involving the recitation of the national song ‘Vande Mataram’.

BJP youth wing approaches Bengaluru police

In Bengaluru, the BJP Yuva Morcha filed a complaint at the Malleshwaram police station, accusing Gandhi of allegedly showing disrespect to Vande Mataram and seeking legal action.

The youth wing also held a protest near the BJP state headquarters. Yuva Morcha state president and MLA Dheeraj Muniraju demanded that Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi apologise, warning that the demonstrations would continue until they do so.

In its complaint, the BJP said Vande Mataram played an important role in India's freedom struggle and currently holds the status of the national song. It also claimed that the song is entitled to the same respect as the national anthem, Jana Gana Mana.

BJP alleges Gandhi tried to interrupt song

The BJP youth wing referred to a video from an Independence Day flag-hoisting event where Gandhi was present. According to the complaint, she allegedly displayed disrespect while Vande Mataram was being presented and deliberately attempted to interrupt it.

The complaint stated, "This appears to be an intentional act aimed at disturbing public peace and amounts to an insult to our country's national song."

It sought action under provisions cited as Section 3 of the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026, and Section 352 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

Complaint also filed in Mangaluru

A separate complaint was submitted at the Urva police station in Mangaluru. BJP leaders Vikas K and Rajgopal accused Gandhi of inappropriate conduct in connection with Vande Mataram and sought police action.

No FIR has been registered so far. Police told PTI that they have sought legal advice before deciding whether to register a case. BJP leaders have argued that an FIR can be registered under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS).

What Congress said about the controversy

The dispute comes days after Parliament passed the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026. The Lok Sabha cleared the legislation through a voice vote on July 30, a day after it was passed by the Rajya Sabha.

The legislation gives Vande Mataram a status on par with the national anthem.

The BJP had on Saturday accused Gandhi of objecting to the singing of the full version of Vande Mataram at its Independence Day event. Congress, however, rejected the allegation, saying there was no attempt to stop the song. The party said Gandhi was instead asking for a chair for Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, who had been standing for some time.