Union Minister Kumaraswamy: Congress discussion on Vande Mataram unnecessary

Published Aug 17, 01:29 AM UTC

Union Minister of Heavy Industries H.D. Kumaraswamy stated on August 16, 2026, in Guledagudda, Bagalkot district, that the discussion and questions raised about the song 'Vande Mataram' are unnecessary. He affirmed his clear stand that there should be no controversy over the song, which inspired the freedom struggle and was written before the national anthem. Kumaraswamy noted that a law exists regarding respect for the song. He was responding to a query about alleged disrespect by members of the Gandhi family, referencing Congress leader Sonia Gandhi's clarification that she did not ask anyone to stop singing the song but was merely requesting a chair for AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge.