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FIR sought against Sonia Gandhi over 'Vande Mataram' video at Congress HQ
BJP leaders filed complaints in Delhi and Karnataka after videos showed Sonia Gandhi and other Congress leaders speaking during the rendition of Vande Mataram at the party HQ on Independence Day.
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Complaints have been filed in Delhi and Karnataka against Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi over an alleged incident during the rendition of the National Song Vande Mataram at the Congress headquarters in New Delhi on Independence Day.
A complaint submitted to the Delhi Police seeks registration of an FIR and investigation into the Congress leader's alleged conduct during the August 15 programme. Separately, BJP leaders lodged a complaint against her at the Urwa Police Station in Karnataka, alleging that she disrespected the National Song.
The controversy erupted after videos from the Independence Day programme at the Congress headquarters showed senior Congress leaders speaking among themselves while Vande Mataram was being recited. BJP leaders alleged that Sonia Gandhi gestured for the rendition to be stopped before it was eventually completed.
According to the Delhi complaint, Sonia Gandhi was present during the rendition and, after the initial portion of the song had been sung, appeared to make gestures that "prima facie" seemed to object to its continuation.
The complaint also refers to another video in which Rahul Gandhi is allegedly heard saying, "We are not singing Vande Mataram." It links the statement with the ongoing rendition and Sonia Gandhi's alleged conduct, saying they raise concerns about the intention behind their alleged actions and their conduct towards the National Song and its dignity.
The complainants have sought registration of an FIR after verification of the applicable legal provisions, a fair and impartial investigation, appropriate action against those found responsible and information about the action taken on the complaint.
Separately, BJP leaders filed a formal complaint against Sonia Gandhi at the Urwa Police Station in Karnataka over the same controversy. The BJP alleged that the conduct of senior Congress leaders during the rendition amounted to disrespect towards Vande Mataram.