Patna, August 17, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The political row between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Congress over ‘Vande Mataram’ intensified on Sunday, with BJP workers staging a protest in Bihar’s Begusarai against what they described as disrespect to the national song.
The protest march was led by Union Textiles Minister and Begusarai MP Giriraj Singh. BJP workers, wearing black armbands and carrying party flags, marched from GD College towards Hanuman Chowk in the Harhar Mahadev locality.
The protesters raised slogans against the Congress and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and also burned an effigy of the Congress leader.
Addressing the gathering, Singh accused Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and party president Mallikarjun Kharge of collectively disrespecting ‘Vande Mataram’.
He said the song was not merely a musical composition but a symbol of India’s self-respect, nationalism and national consciousness. Recalling the freedom struggle, Singh said countless freedom fighters had invoked ‘Vande Mataram’ while fighting British rule and making sacrifices for independence.
The Union Minister accused the Congress of targeting national symbols in its opposition to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He said the BJP would continue to protest against what it considers disrespect towards the national song and claimed similar demonstrations were being held in different parts of the country.
Calling the issue one of national honour, Singh said such alleged disrespect would not be tolerated and urged the Congress to reconsider its position.
Singh also criticised Rahul Gandhi over his conduct as Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha. Referring to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee on his death anniversary, he highlighted Vajpayee’s contributions as Prime Minister, Leader of Opposition and parliamentarian.
Singh described Vajpayee as an example of democratic conduct and parliamentary dignity, and said the Opposition had every right to question the government and oppose its policies but should maintain democratic decorum and responsible political language.
He suggested that Rahul Gandhi should draw lessons from Vajpayee’s conduct as Leader of Opposition.
Singh also criticised senior Congress leaders, alleging that they had failed to question Rahul Gandhi’s statements and instead followed his political line.
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