Mathura, August 17, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Padma Bhushan awardee Sadhvi Ritambhara on Monday criticised Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi over a controversy surrounding the rendition of the National Song ‘Vande Mataram’ at the Congress headquarters in New Delhi on Independence Day, alleging that the episode amounted to an insult to the country.
The controversy followed the circulation of videos from the Independence Day programme showing senior Congress leaders speaking among themselves while ‘Vande Mataram’ was being recited.
Speaking to IANS, Sadhvi Ritambhara alleged that Sonia Gandhi’s body language during the rendition reflected discomfort and anger.
“Sonia Gandhi has committed a grave insult. When ‘Vande Mataram’ was being sung, her body language showed how uncomfortable and angry she was,” she said.
She further alleged that those opposed to the country’s progress had never genuinely shared a sense of national commitment, saying, “Their hearts have never truly beaten for the nation, yet they have been imposed on the people of the country.”
Sadhvi Ritambhara said ‘Vande Mataram’ was closely associated with the sacrifices made by freedom fighters during India’s struggle for independence. She said the song evokes memories of those sacrifices and a sense of patriotism among Indians.
She described the alleged conduct during the rendition as an “unforgivable offence” and questioned why anyone would display such discomfort during the National Song.
Reacting to the CJP protest at Jantar Mantar, she also criticised aspects of the demonstration, including what she described as the food distributed there and the manner in which some participants were dressed.
At the same time, she said peaceful protests on public issues were an essential part of democracy. “When those in power do not listen, people have to raise their voices,” she said.
However, she cautioned against demands that, in her view, could undermine the country’s democratic and constitutional order. Using the analogy of a banyan tree affected by termites, she said the solution should be to treat the termites rather than bring down the entire tree.
Referring to the expression “Dimaagi Naxal”, she said calls for decisions to be made on the streets could lead to anarchy and asserted that such a situation could not be allowed in the country.
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