BJP leaders have filed a complaint against Congress leader Sonia Gandhi over a controversy surrounding the recitation of Vande Mataram during an Independence Day programme at the Congress headquarters in New Delhi.

The complaint was lodged at Urwa Police Station in Karnataka. BJP leaders Vikas K and Rajgopal sought action against Gandhi, alleging that the incident hurt sentiments associated with the national song.

Police have not yet registered an FIR in the matter. BJP leaders said an FIR could be filed under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita based on the complaint.

Controversy Over Vande Mataram Recitation

The dispute emerged after visuals from the Independence Day event appeared to show senior Congress leaders speaking among themselves while Vande Mataram was being recited.

BJP leaders criticised the conduct and alleged that it showed disrespect toward the national song.

BJP MP Manoj Tiwari also criticised the Congress leadership, accusing the party of showing discomfort toward Vande Mataram.

Read more: Bhabanipur EVM Strongroom Row Triggers TMC-BJP Clash as Mamata Issues Strong Warning

Suvendu Adhikari Demands Apology

West Bengal BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari also criticised Sonia Gandhi over the controversy and demanded an unconditional apology.

Adhikari alleged that Gandhi had objected to the complete version of Vande Mataram being sung during the Independence Day programme.

He said the issue had offended people in West Bengal, where Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, the author of Vande Mataram, holds a significant place in cultural history.

Adhikari also asked Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge to clarify the party's position on the controversy.

Amit Shah Targets Congress

Union Home Minister Amit Shah also attacked the Congress over the issue.

Addressing a public meeting in Chittorgarh, Shah accused the Congress of insulting Vande Mataram and demanded an apology to the public and to the memory of Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay.

Shah alleged that Sonia Gandhi had asked for the song to be stopped midway during the Independence Day programme.

He also accused the Congress of abandoning the spirit of Vande Mataram for political reasons.

Congress Faces BJP Pressure

The controversy has given the BJP another opportunity to target the Congress over national symbols and patriotic issues.

BJP leaders are demanding that Sonia Gandhi explain her position and issue an apology. The Congress's response to the allegations is likely to determine whether the political dispute escalates further.

The police complaint has also added a legal dimension to the controversy, although no FIR had been registered at the time of the report.