Independence Day on August 15, 2026, was celebrated across the nation with great enthusiasm. While the main national event took place at the historic Red Fort in New Delhi, where the national song Vande Mataram was performed, a fresh political controversy emerged during the celebrations at the Congress party headquarters.
Video Triggers Political Row
During the flag hoisting ceremony at the party office, senior leader Sonia Gandhi was present along with Rahul Gandhi and other prominent party members. Shortly after the event, a video circulated widely on social media showing Sonia Gandhi shifting her position and speaking to nearby individuals while Vande Mataram was being sung. The footage quickly drew significant attention across digital platforms.
BJP Criticism and Congress Clarification
Following the emergence of the clip, the Bharatiya Janata Party raised sharp objections to the conduct shown in the video, questioning the appropriateness of such gestures during the national song. As public and political debate escalated, Congress released a statement to clarify the occurrence. Senior party leader Jairam Ramesh addressed the questions surrounding the moment, maintaining that the national song was accorded full respect throughout the proceedings and that there was no intention to show any disrespect.
