Archive · 16 Aug 2026
Delhi BJP chief demands apology from Congress over Vande Mataram
On India's Independence Day, a leader from the BJP party said something very upsetting happened at the Congress party's office.
He said Congress stopped people from singing "Vande Mataram," a very important patriotic song.
The song is called India's National Song, and it was given that honor by Parliament many years ago.
The BJP leader, Harsh Malhotra, said stopping the song was an insult to the whole country.
He asked Congress to say sorry to every Indian for what happened.
He also asked the Gandhi family, which leads Congress, to explain why it would stop the song.
On the same day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave a big speech from the Red Fort.
He talked about how India has developed over the past 12 years and about new chances for women and young people.
The BJP leader also said his party's young workers will help with the national census.
Delhi BJP President Harsh Malhotra condemned a reported attempt to stop the singing of "Vande Mataram" at Congress headquarters on Independence Day.
Malhotra called the episode an "insult to the nation" and a violation of rules laid down by Parliament.
The BJP demanded that Congress apologise to the nation and that the Gandhi family clarify whether it has a problem with "Vande Mataram" or "Bharat Mata."
Malhotra noted Parliament accorded "Vande Mataram" the status of National Song in 1950, and said insulting it disrespects the Constitution.
In his Red Fort address, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke about 12 years of development, women's reservation, and youth opportunities; BJP workers were urged to help with the Census exercise.
- Who
- Delhi BJP President Harsh Malhotra, the Congress party and the Gandhi family, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi
- What
- BJP condemned a reported attempt to stop the singing of "Vande Mataram" at Congress headquarters and demanded an apology from Congress
- When
- Independence Day, which fell on a Saturday (year not stated in the article)
- Where
- New Delhi, including the Congress headquarters, the Delhi BJP office, and the Red Fort
- Why
- The BJP viewed the reported action as an insult to the nation and a violation of Parliament's rules regarding the National Song
- Accuser
- Harsh Malhotra, Delhi BJP President
- Accused
- Congress and the Gandhi family
- Alleged Incident
- Attempt to stop the singing of "Vande Mataram" at Congress headquarters
- Date
- Independence Day (Saturday)
- Location
- New Delhi (Congress headquarters, Delhi BJP office, Red Fort)
- National Song Status
- Parliament accorded "Vande Mataram" National Song status in 1950
- PM Modi's Address Topics
- Development achievements over 12 years, women's reservation, youth education and employment
- Announced Action
- Young BJP workers to help with the Census exercise