A fresh political slugfest has erupted between Union Heavy Industries and Steel Minister and JDS leader HD Kumaraswamy and the Congress party over a controversy surrounding Vande Mataram. HD Kumaraswamy has launched a sharp attack on senior Congress leader Sonia Gandhi, accusing her of opposing the national song and raking up her foreign origin by claiming that Italian blood runs through her veins. In response, the Congress hit back fiercely, labeling the Union Minister a frustrated leader and robustly defending Sonia Gandhi contribution and commitment to the nation.
Accusations of Italian Blood and Narrow Mindset
While speaking to the media on Monday, Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy remarked that little else could be expected from Sonia Gandhi. Raising a direct question, he asked whether Sonia Gandhi genuinely belongs to the country, pointing out that she arrived in India following her marriage and that the blood flowing in her veins is of Italian origin. Kumaraswamy further asserted that the Congress party has an aversion to Vande Mataram, adding that leaders have no business displaying a narrow mindset on matters concerning the national anthem and national song.
Congress Defends and Slams the Remarks
Karnataka government minister Rizwan Arshad strongly objected to Kumaraswamy statements, condemning him as a frustrated individual and asserting that Sonia Gandhi is more Indian than many native citizens. Arshad highlighted that her husband Rajiv Gandhi sacrificed his life for the nation, and noted that Sonia Gandhi has continuously fought for a united and just India.
Kumaraswamy Stands Firm on His Statements
Despite the strong pushback from the Congress, Kumaraswamy remained unfazed and stood firm on his remarks on Tuesday. He questioned what personal sacrifice Sonia Gandhi has made, even while acknowledging Rajiv Gandhi martyrdom. Reiterating that she hails from Italy, he claimed this background explains her actions running counter to Indian sentiments. He also pointed out that Vande Mataram has been sung at Congress party sessions ever since the days of Mahatma Gandhi and Rabindranath Tagore.
The Origin of the Controversy
The entire political row traces back to an Independence Day event hosted at the Congress headquarters. The Bharatiya Janata Party alleged that Sonia Gandhi objected to the singing of the full version of Vande Mataram during the celebrations. BJP leader BL Santosh shared a video clip on social media to mock the Congress leadership. In rebuttal, the Congress flatly rejected the allegations, clarifying that Sonia Gandhi was not attempting to halt the singing of the song, but was instead asking for a chair for party president Mallikarjun Kharge since he had been standing for a long time.
