Amit Shah Attacks Congress Over Vande Mataram Row, Says ‘Their Shamelessness’

August 16, 2026

Chittorgarh, Rajasthan: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday accused the Congress of “shamelessness” over the Vande Mataram controversy, alleging that party leader Sonia Gandhi asked for the national song to be stopped midway at the Congress headquarters.

Shah made the remarks while addressing a public gathering in Nimbahera, Chittorgarh, where he unveiled a 21-foot-tall statue of former Prime Minister and Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee on his death anniversary.

Referring to visuals from the Congress headquarters, Shah said, “Look at their (Congress’s) shamelessness. The anthem Vande Mataram was being sung at the Congress Party headquarters. During the anthem, Congress leader Sonia Gandhi told the Congress President to stop singing.”

He further said that the alleged act would not be forgiven by the people of the country and questioned how anyone could leave Vande Mataram incomplete.

BJP Leaders Target Congress

The controversy erupted after visuals from the Independence Day programme at the Congress headquarters showed senior party leaders speaking among themselves while Vande Mataram was being recited.

BJP leaders criticised the conduct, alleging that it amounted to disrespect towards the National Song.

BJP leader Amit Malviya alleged that Sonia Gandhi objected to the full rendition of Vande Mataram during the Independence Day event.

Malviya claimed that Sonia Gandhi became “agitated” after the initial stanzas were sung and asked for the rendition to be stopped, while Rahul Gandhi also appeared to signal that it should end.

Congress Rejects Allegations

Congress, however, asserted that Sonia Gandhi’s actions had nothing to do with the national song being played at the venue.

The party maintained that she was merely trying to ensure that the correct arrangements for Vande Mataram were followed during the event.