Jammu and Kashmir: Tariq Karra criticizes BJP’s ‘Vande Mataram’ protest as diversionary tactic

Srinagar, August 17: Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) President Tariq Hameed Karra has labeled the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) protest in Srinagar concerning the national song ‘Vande Mataram’ as a “diversionary tactic”. The BJP had organised the protest outside the Congress office in Srinagar on Sunday, alleging disrespect towards the national song during the Congress’s Independence Day celebrations in New Delhi. BJP spokesperson Altaf Thakur claimed that Congress leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi, and Mallikarjun Kharge, showed disrespect towards ‘Vande Mataram’ during the party’s event.

Thakur further alleged that the BJP was protesting nationwide to demand an apology from the Congress leadership, stating that this alleged disrespect has been a recurring pattern for the party. He also accused the Congress of having previously removed certain lines from ‘Vande Mataram’ at the behest of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, suggesting a continued similar mentality. The controversy reportedly stemmed from visuals of senior Congress leaders appearing to speak amongst themselves while ‘Vande Mataram’ was being recited at the party headquarters.

In response to the allegations, Congress leaders have denied any disrespect, with some stating that Sonia Gandhi was merely inquiring about a chair for Mallikarjun Kharge, who had been standing for an extended period. The Congress has accused the BJP of weaponizing patriotism for political gains and dismissed the charges as a misinterpretation of events. The party maintains its deep respect for ‘Vande Mataram’ and the national anthem.

This incident has ignited a political firestorm, with the BJP escalating its criticism through demonstrations and legal actions, while the Congress has defended its position, rejecting the charges and highlighting what they term as the BJP’s attempt to politicize national symbols. The controversy has also seen police complaints being lodged against Congress leaders in Karnataka, seeking an FIR based on the applicability of the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026.

Tariq Hameed Karra, a prominent Congress leader from Jammu and Kashmir, has previously been vocal on various regional issues, including advocating for the restoration of full statehood for Jammu and Kashmir. He has also been a critic of the BJP’s policies and governance in the region. His recent remarks suggest a perception within the Congress that the ‘Vande Mataram’ protest by the BJP is an attempt to distract from other pressing political and developmental issues.

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