# Controversy over Vande Mataram in India > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/controversy-over-vande-mataram-in-india > Updated: 2026-08-23T07:51:58.000Z. Sources: 3. Developments: 2. The controversy began when Delhi Police initiated a preliminary investigation into Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi following a complaint regarding the alleged disrespect of the national song, ‘Vande Mataram’. The complaint, filed by advocates at the IP Estate police station, alleged that Sonia Gandhi made disrespectful gestures during an Independence Day event and cited a video where Rahul Gandhi reportedly stated, “We are not singing Vande Mataram.” Following the investigation, leaders of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Bihar launched political criticisms against the Congress Party. Bihar Minister Ram Kripal Yadav described the decision to sing only parts of the song as “unbecoming,” asserting that the full song represents the soul of the nation. Other officials, including Minister Shravan Kumar, used the incident to challenge the Congress Party’s record on social issues and women’s empowerment. ## Timeline ### 2026-08-23: NDA leaders criticize Rahul Gandhi and Congress Party NDA leaders in Bihar have criticized Rahul Gandhi and the Congress Party over the ‘Vande Mataram’ controversy and questioned their track record regarding women's and youth empowerment. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nda-leaders-criticize-rahul-gandhi-and-congress-party ### 2026-08-17: Sonia and Rahul Gandhi under investigation for alleged Vande Mataram insult Delhi Police has launched a preliminary probe into allegations that Sonia and Rahul Gandhi disrespected the national song, Vande Mataram, during an Independence Day event at the Congress headquarters. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/delhi-police-investigate-sonia-and-rahul-gandhi-over-vande-mataram-allegations --- Cite as: Controversy over Vande Mataram in India. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/controversy-over-vande-mataram-in-india