Opinion | When National Symbols Become Political Football

Updated: Aug 18, 2026 18:22 pm IST Published On Aug 18, 2026 18:22 pm IST Last Updated On Aug 18, 2026 18:22 pm IST

Published On Aug 18, 2026 18:22 pm IST

Last Updated On Aug 18, 2026 18:22 pm IST

National symbols belong to the nation, not to a political party. They are among the few things in public life that should rise above ideology, electoral rivalry and partisan loyalties. The Tricolour, the national anthem and the national song Vande Mataram occupy a special emotional space in the Indian imagination because they evoke the country's freedom struggle, its civilisational memory and the sacrifices through which India became a republic.

That is precisely why any political leader who appears to disrespect or dismiss a national symbol must expect public scrutiny. On August 15, 2026, Congress leader Sonia Gandhi was seen agitated and hand gesturing mid-way through a full rendition of Vande Mataram at the Congress headquarters entailing public wrath online.

Her questionable 'conduct' and the subsequent lame defence provided by her partymen have therefore provoked questions that go far beyond the immediate political controversy. That such a misconduct has come from senior Congress leader Sonia Gandhi - who had built a non-controversial public image until now - is disappointing. For common public - be it a Congress or the BJP supporter - the public disrespect shown to the national song is aggravating and demeaning.

Congress's contentious stance

The Congress has historically had a complicated but important relationship with........

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