The Vande Mataram Brouhaha: A Study in Hypocrisy The recent controversy surrounding the Congress party's rendition of Vande Mataram at a meeting in Goa has highlighted the complex relationship between patriotism and politics in India.
The BJP, quick to capitalize on perceived slights against national institutions, has criticized Sonia Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, and Rahul Gandhi for disrespecting the national song.
However, the BJP's criticism rings hollow when considering its own dubious claims to patriotism. Leaders from the RSS and BJP have a long history of subverting or undermining India's democratic institutions.