Union Home Minister Amit Shah has launched a sharp attack on the Congress following a controversy at the party's Independence Day function over the rendition of Vande Mataram, alleging that the national song was deliberately interrupted.

Speaking at an event in Chittorgarh, Rajasthan, Shah claimed that Sonia Gandhi had asked Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge to bring the rendition to an end while the song was being performed at the party headquarters.

Shah said such an act would be unacceptable to people across the country and accused the Congress of showing disrespect towards the national song. He also called on the party to publicly apologise, including to the legacy of Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, who authored Vande Mataram.

BJP, Congress clash over Independence Day video

The dispute followed the emergence of footage from the Congress headquarters showing senior leaders during the Independence Day programme while Vande Mataram was being performed.

BJP leaders interpreted the visuals as evidence that the complete rendition was being stopped. BJP spokesperson Amit Malviya alleged that Sonia Gandhi objected after the opening portion of the song and claimed Rahul Gandhi also appeared to indicate that it should end.

The Congress has rejected that interpretation. The party said Sonia Gandhi's actions were related to arrangements for the programme and had no connection with an attempt to prevent the national song from being performed.

Shah invokes freedom struggle

Shah further accused the Congress of compromising on the significance of Vande Mataram for political considerations. He recalled the role of the song during India's freedom movement and said many freedom fighters had faced imprisonment, physical attacks and other hardships for singing it.

He also pointed to the song being performed during this year's Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort and at other venues where the national flag was unfurled.

Shah unveils Vajpayee statue in Rajasthan

Shah was visiting Chittorgarh for the Atal Gaurav Smriti Samaroh, where he unveiled a 21-foot statue of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee in Nimbahera on the late BJP leader's death anniversary.

Remembering Vajpayee's contribution to the country, Shah highlighted decisions taken during his tenure, including India's nuclear tests at Pokhran despite international pressure.

Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma, who also addressed the gathering, praised Shah's role in strengthening national security. He also highlighted government efforts against Left-wing extremism and the implementation of the country's new criminal laws.