2 weeks ago

MP CM Yadav demands apology from Gandhis over Vande Mataram

MP CM Yadav demands apology from Gandhis over Vande Mataram
Sonia, Rahul Gandhi disrespected Vande Mataram: Madhya Pradesh CM Mohan Yadav seeks apology · telegraphindia.com

Mohan Yadav is the leader of an Indian state called Madhya Pradesh.

He is upset with two leaders of the Congress party, Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi.

Mr Yadav says these leaders insulted a very special song called Vande Mataram.

Vande Mataram is the national song of India, and freedom fighters sang it long ago while fighting for the country's freedom.

Mr Yadav says the song became known around the world through a film called 'Anand Math'.

The BJP, India's ruling party, says the leaders showed disrespect when the song was sung at the Congress party's Independence Day event.

BJP leaders also say Sonia Gandhi did not want the full version of the song to be sung, but the Congress says that is not true.

Mr Yadav wants the leaders to say sorry to the whole country and admit their mistake.

He points out that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had the complete song sung from the Red Fort.

Last month, Parliament passed a law that makes insulting the national song a punishable offence, just like the national anthem.

Key facts

Accuser
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav
Accused
Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and party president Mallikarjun Kharge
Allegation
Disrespecting the national song Vande Mataram at the Congress Independence Day event
Demand
A public apology to the country and acknowledgement of the mistake
BJP's claim
Sonia Gandhi objected to the full version of Vande Mataram being sung; Congress denied the charge
Date of event
Saturday, August 15 (Independence Day)
New law
Parliament bill passed last month making insult to the national song a punishable offence
Legal status
Vande Mataram granted status on par with the National Anthem Jana Gana Mana

Quotes

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav

Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, India

“"I believe that senior Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi, whoever was involved in the insult, should apologise to the country. I hope they soon acknowledge their mistake and apologise to the nation."”
thehansindia.com telegraphindia.com theprint.in deccanchronicle.com
“"Vande Mataram was the slogan and song that freedom fighters sang while sacrificing their lives for the country’s freedom. Therefore, insulting the song is condemnable."”
thehansindia.com theprint.in theprint.in deccanchronicle.com

Sources

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