Kumaraswamy’s Remarks on Sonia Gandhi Spark Row...

Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy’s remarks about Congress leader Sonia Gandhi have triggered a political controversy amid the ongoing dispute over ‘Vande Mataram’. Referring to Sonia Gandhi’s foreign origins, Kumaraswamy said that “Italian blood” flows through her veins. He accused the Congress of showing a lack of respect for ‘Vande Mataram’ and said everyone should respect the national song. He also questioned what sacrifices Sonia Gandhi had made for the country.

Congress leaders strongly reacted to Kumaraswamy’s remarks. Karnataka Minister Rizwan Arshad criticised him, saying he was speaking like a person in a desperate state. Arshad said Rajiv Gandhi had sacrificed his life for the country and that Sonia Gandhi was working for a united and just India. Kumaraswamy, however, stood by his comments and alleged that Sonia Gandhi had insulted ‘Vande Mataram’. The controversy intensified after the BJP accused Sonia Gandhi of objecting to the full version of ‘Vande Mataram’ being sung at a party Independence Day programme.