New Delhi, August 18, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The Congress on Tuesday launched a sharp attack on Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Lok Sabha MP Kangana Ranaut over her remarks comparing senior Congress leaders’ alleged response to the rendition of ‘Vande Mataram’ with Pakistan, with party leaders questioning her comments and urging the BJP to address what they described as her increasingly controversial statements.
Speaking to IANS during a temple visit in Mumbai, Ranaut criticised the alleged opposition to the national song during the Congress’ Independence Day celebrations.
“Vande Mataram represents the consciousness of India. As an artist, I understand the impact that art and poetry can have on people. The level of hatred shown towards it, and the efforts made to stop its rendition despite being on camera, are deeply concerning. I would say that even people in Pakistan may not show such a reaction,” she said.
Ranaut further alleged that the Congress was becoming not only “anti-BJP” but also “against the country”.
Reacting to her remarks, Congress leader Supriya Shrinate questioned the BJP’s approach towards the actor-turned-politician.
“The BJP itself does not take her (Kangana Ranaut) seriously… I repeatedly pray to God to keep her healthy. I want to say through this platform that she should consult a good doctor,” Shrinate told IANS.
“She is becoming increasingly unwell day by day. The BJP should take note of this first and have her consult a good doctor,” she added.
Congress MP Imran Pratapgarhi also criticised Ranaut, questioning her comments on patriotism and recalling her earlier controversial remark that India attained independence in 2014.
“Now Kangana Ranaut will tell us about patriotism despite being the one who said that ‘India got independence only in 2014’,” he said.
Pratapgarhi also targeted the BJP and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), alleging that those who had questioned aspects of the Constitution and did not hoist the Tricolour at the RSS headquarters for decades were now lecturing the Congress on patriotism.
He accused the BJP of using the Vande Mataram controversy for political purposes and claimed that the Congress had a long history of participation in the freedom struggle.
“Congress has a golden history of the freedom struggle. I would urge Kangana ji to read books about India’s freedom struggle,” he said.
The political confrontation follows a controversy over the rendition of ‘Vande Mataram’ during Independence Day celebrations at the Congress headquarters, involving party president Mallikarjun Kharge and senior leader Sonia Gandhi.
The episode has since triggered a wider political debate between the Congress and BJP over the national song, patriotism and the legacy of India’s freedom movement.
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