Sumitro Chatterjee, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) representing Naihati and a direct descendant of the revered literary figure Rishi Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, has addressed a strongly worded letter to Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi. In the communication, Chatterjee expressed his profound anguish over what he described as an insult to the national song, "Vande Mataram," during an event organised at the Congress headquarters on Independence Day.

Detailing the occurrence in his letter, Chatterjee stated that he felt deeply hurt by Gandhi’s visible reaction while the complete version of "Vande Mataram" was being sung at the All India Congress Committee (AICC) headquarters on 15th August. He stated that her physical gestures conveyed clear discomfort with the ongoing rendition and claimed she made repeated attempts to interrupt and halt the recitation.

For Chatterjee, the development carries deep personal resonance alongside its wider national significance. Identifying himself as a direct lineage descendant of Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay—the author who originally penned "Vande Mataram"—he shared that witnessing the episode caused him "deep pain, emptiness and anguish." He underlined that this occurred precisely on a day when the entire nation was honouring the memory of its freedom fighters and marking the 80th anniversary of Indian Independence.

'Vande Mataram' and India's Fight for Freedom

In his written appeal, Chatterjee drew Sonia Gandhi’s attention to the crucial, transformative role played by "Vande Mataram" throughout the trajectory of the Indian independence movement. Citing the historical writings of Sri Aurobindo, he highlighted how the song transformed into a potent spiritual and patriotic mantra that motivated successive generations of freedom fighters to challenge colonial rule.

Chatterjee also invoked the historical perspectives of prominent nationalist leader Bipin Chandra Pal, who documented that following the controversial Partition of Bengal, the words "Vande Mataram" were constantly on the lips of revolutionary youths and activists. In Chatterjee's assessment, the principles of "Swadeshi," the strategy of "Boycott," and the cry of "Vande Mataram" became inseparable pillars of India's anti-colonial nationalist struggle.

The Naihati legislator went on to enumerate several milestone events where the anthem defined key moments of resistance:

• 1905 Banaras Congress Session: Sarala Devi Chaudhurani performed the complete, unabridged version of the song before delegates of the Indian National Congress.

1909 Tilak Trial: During the high-profile sedition proceedings against Bal Gangadhar Tilak, crowds of supporters gathered outside the courthouse raising full-throated slogans of "Vande Mataram."*
1938 Osmania University Agitation: In Hyderabad, participating students adopted "Vande Mataram"* as their rallying banner against authoritarian decrees, defying an official ban imposed by the Nizam’s administration.

Remembering Tagore’s Historical Association

Chatterjee further elaborated on the deep cultural link Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore maintained with the anthem. He recalled that Tagore personally performed "Vande Mataram" at the 1896 Calcutta session of the Indian National Congress, setting the verses to his own original musical score.

Expanding on historical precedents within the party, Chatterjee brought up the decisions made during the Congress working sessions in 1937. He observed that following specific political objections voiced by Mohammad Ali Jinnah, the organisation decided to truncate the anthem, restricting its public recitation to selected stanzas. Chatterjee remarked that this historical context makes the current posture and visible unease of the Congress leadership even more significant and concerning today.

Scrutinising Congress Over Its Regional Motto

The Naihati MLA pointed out what he viewed as an internal contradiction within the structure of the Congress organisation. He highlighted that the West Bengal Chhatra Parishad—the party’s official student wing in the state—operates under the traditional motto "Mantra Moder Sanjeevan – Vande Mataram."

Chatterjee questioned why the central leadership of the Congress would exhibit visible unease toward a national anthem that its own affiliated student body continues to revere and display proudly as its defining slogan.

To demonstrate broader state protocol, he cited the parliamentary session conducted on 13th August. On that day, proceedings in the Lok Sabha commenced with the formal rendition of the full six-stanza version of "Vande Mataram." He observed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Leader of the Opposition from the Congress party were both present on the floor during the recitation.

Emphasising the broader cultural ethos, Chatterjee stated that "Vande Mataram" transcends party lines and does not belong to any single political formation. Instead, it forms an integral part of India’s shared historical consciousness, carrying the literary heritage of Bankim Chandra and honouring the ultimate sacrifices made by freedom fighters across generations.

Unconditional Apology Sought from Sonia Gandhi

Chatterjee noted that the development at the AICC headquarters had caused deep offence to the cultural and patriotic sentiments of the people of West Bengal, given the state's intimate historical connection with Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay and the origin of "Vande Mataram."

Describing it as his moral obligation as a direct descendant of Bankim Chandra, Chatterjee urged Sonia Gandhi to reflect upon her actions and issue a formal, unconditional apology to the people of India, with particular regard to the citizens of West Bengal.

A formal copy of this correspondence was marked and forwarded to Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge. Concluding his letter, Chatterjee emphasised that according proper reverence to "Vande Mataram" is synonymous with respecting the nation's history, the spirit of patriotism, and the supreme sacrifices that forged India’s freedom.