Rahul, Kharge and Sonia Gandhi were seen talking in gestures during the Vande Mataram rendition at the Congress headquarters.
The BJP on Sunday filed police complaints against Congress leader Sonia Gandhi in Bengaluru and Mangaluru, alleging that she insulted Vande Mataram during an Independence Day programme at the Congress headquarters.
In Bengaluru, the BJP Yuva Morcha lodged a complaint at Malleshwaram Police Station, while BJP leaders filed another complaint at Urwa Police Station in Mangaluru. The complaints sought action over the alleged incident. Police have not registered an FIR so far.
The BJP had alleged on Saturday that Sonia Gandhi gestured to stop the rendition of Vande Mataram at the Congress headquarters on Independence Day.
Visuals from Congress headquarters
Vande Mataram was being sung, when Sonia turned back and was seen gesturing. Rahul also asked something with a gesture.
A staff member approached Kharge. Kharge whispered something in his ear, then Sonia also spoke to him
BJP demands apology from Sonia and Rahul Gandhi
BJP Yuva Morcha state president and MLA Dheeraj Muniraju said Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi should apologise to the people for the alleged insult to Vande Mataram.
Muniraju said the BJP would continue its protests until the two Congress leaders apologise. BJP leaders in Mangaluru also called Sonia Gandhi’s alleged conduct inappropriate and demanded action, saying the incident had hurt sentiments associated with the national song.
New law provides up to 3 years’ imprisonment
The controversy comes shortly after Parliament passed legislation providing legal protection to Vande Mataram. Under the new law, Vande Mataram has been accorded legal protection equivalent to the national anthem, Jana Gana Mana.
The law provides for imprisonment of up to three years, a fine, or both for deliberately insulting Vande Mataram or disrupting its rendition.
