Kumaraswamy's 'Italian Blood' Slam on Sonia Gandhi Ignites Vande Mataram Row!

The 'Vande Mataram' controversy has taken a sharp turn, escalating into a major political row after Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy launched a scathing attack on Congress leader Sonia Gandhi, questioning her Indian identity.

Speaking to reporters in Hassan, Kumaraswamy remarked, "Is Sonia Gandhi from our nation? She migrated to India after marriage. Naturally, Italian blood flows in her veins." These comments came in the context of an earlier accusation by the BJP that Sonia Gandhi had objected to the singing of the full version of Vande Mataram at a Congress Independence Day event. Kumaraswamy further dismissed the Congress's explanation that the gestures were made to arrange chairs, stating, "It is not so easy to escape by lying now. People know everything."

These provocative remarks immediately drew a strong reaction from the Congress. Karnataka Minister Rizwan Arshad defended Sonia Gandhi, calling Kumaraswamy a "frustrated man." Arshad asserted, "If he talks about Sonia Gandhi ji in such a manner, then he should know that she is more Indian than many Indians. Her husband, Rajiv Gandhi, sacrificed his life for this nation. She's fighting for a united India, a just India."

Despite the backlash, Kumaraswamy doubled down on his statements, challenging Sonia Gandhi directly, "Her husband has sacrificed, yes, but what has she sacrificed? She disrespected it (Vande Mataram). She is obviously not Indian, she is Italian. She married an Indian citizen. She is from Italy. That is why she is opposing Indian sentiments." This intensified debate follows days after Parliament cleared amendments to the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971, granting 'Vande Mataram' a status on par with the national anthem, adding another layer to the heated discussion.

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