Mangaluru: BJP leader Vikas Puttur has filed a complaint against Congress leader Sonia Gandhi at Urwa Police Station, alleging that the national song ‘Vande Mataram’ was insulted during an Independence Day flag-hoisting programme at the Congress headquarters in New Delhi.
Puttur has sought registration of an FIR in connection with the alleged incident and warned that he would approach the High Court and pursue a private complaint if the police fail to take action.
Complaint over Vande Mataram recitation
The complaint relates to an Independence Day programme held at the Congress headquarters on August 15. BJP leaders have objected to the conduct of senior Congress leaders during the recitation of ‘Vande Mataram’, based on visuals from the event.
Vikas Puttur alleged that the national song was disrespected during the programme and urged the police to take legal action against those responsible.
The issue has triggered a political controversy, with BJP leaders criticising the Congress leadership over the incident and questioning the conduct of its senior leaders during the Independence Day celebrations.
Puttur seeks FIR
In his complaint submitted at Urwa Police Station, Puttur has sought registration of an FIR and appropriate legal action.
He has also warned that he will pursue the matter through legal channels if the police do not act on his complaint. According to Puttur, he is prepared to approach the High Court and file a private complaint before the appropriate forum.
The BJP leader’s move comes amid growing political exchanges between the BJP and Congress over the alleged incident.
BJP questions Congress conduct
BJP leaders have alleged that the conduct of Congress leaders during the recitation amounted to disrespect towards ‘Vande Mataram’, a song that holds an important place in India’s freedom struggle and national history.
The party has demanded that the matter be taken seriously and that appropriate action be initiated.
The complaint filed by Puttur has brought the controversy to the local level, with the BJP leader seeking police intervention in the matter.
Congress rejects allegations
The Congress has maintained that the actions of its leaders during the programme should not be interpreted as an insult to ‘Vande Mataram’.
The party has stated that Sonia Gandhi’s actions were related to ensuring that arrangements for the recitation were properly carried out.
The contrasting positions of the two parties have intensified the political debate surrounding the Independence Day programme.
Legal action awaited
With the complaint now submitted, attention is on the response from the Urwa Police. Puttur has made it clear that he intends to pursue the matter through legal avenues if an FIR is not registered.
The development is the latest in the political controversy surrounding the Independence Day programme and the alleged conduct of Congress leaders during the recitation of ‘Vande Mataram’. Further developments are expected based on the police response to the complaint.