BJP accuses Rahul Gandhi of disrespecting 'Vande Mataram' during Karnataka rally

BJP on Friday tweeted a video of a TV channel that shows the Congress President allegedly instructing a local leader to cut short ‘Vande Mataram’ during a public rally in Karnataka. Photo: Video grab taken from a video shared by the Karnataka BJP

NEW DELHI: As the Karnataka Assembly elections are fast approaching, a war of words has intensified between the BJP and the Congress thereby heating up the situation even more. In its latest salvo against the Congress, the Karnataka BJP has accused its president Rahul Gandhi of disrespecting the national song, Vande Mataram. BJP on Friday tweeted a video of a TV channel that shows Rahul allegedly instructing a local leader to cut short ‘Vande Mataram’ during a public rally in Karnataka. In a message posted with the video, the party said: "In 1937, Nehru dropped last 3 stanzas of the Vande Mataram just to pacify Jinnah who said the song irks the Muslims. Today, RG asked to cut it to just one line, reminding us of INC's total disregard for the song." "Do we need more reasons for Cong Muktha Bharath? Shame on you, RG," it added.

In 1937, Nehru dropped last 3 stanzas of the Vande Mataram just to pacify Jinnah who said the song irks the Muslims

Today, RG asked to cut it to just one line, reminding us of INC's total disregard for the song Do we need more reasons for Cong Muktha Bharath? Shame on you, RG. pic.twitter.com/aPtcreNPuO — BJP Karnataka (@BJP4Karnataka) April 27, 2018

BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra also targetted Rahul by sharing the same video. "Rahul Gandhi directs to cut Vande Mataram to a single line during a public rally in Karnataka ..now this is why we call Him “Sahzada” ..His sense of entitlement is appalling..thinks this country is family property..can at his wish amend the National Song?" he wrote on Twitter.

Rahul Gandhi directs to cut Vande Mataram to a single line during a public rally in Karnataka ..now this is why we call Him “Sahzada” ..His sense of entitlement is appalling..thinks this country is family property..can at his wish amend the National Song? https://t.co/aqQHP7CRpn

— Sambit Patra (@sambitswaraj) April 27, 2018

Rahul is in Karnataka to lead the campaign for the party in the state. The election to the 224-member Karnataka Assembly will be held on May 12. The southern state is slated to witness a three-corner contest involving the ruling Congress, the BJP and the H D Deve Gowda-led JD(S). The result of the polls will be announced on May 15.