Chandigarh, August 17:Bharatiya Janata Party Punjab State President Kewal Singh Dhillon has expressed deep concern and strong resentment over the alleged disrespect shown to the National Song ‘Vande Mataram’ during the Independence Day programme at the Congress headquarters in Delhi.

He said that when the entire nation was immersed in the spirit of patriotism on the sacred occasion of Independence Day, the attempt by the Congress leadership to stop the full rendition of ‘Vande Mataram’ midway at the Congress office was extremely shameful.

He said that the Congress has repeatedly acted in a manner that disrespects the nation’s pride and national symbols. ‘Vande Mataram’ inspired millions of freedom fighters to make sacrifices during India’s struggle for independence, and the people of the country will never tolerate such disrespectful conduct towards such a revered national song.

Kewal Singh Dhillon demanded that the Congress central leadership, including Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge, tender an unconditional apology to the entire nation for this shameful act.

He further said that the Bharatiya Janata Party will always remain committed to protecting the honour of the nation and its national symbols, and will take the Congress’s anti-national mindset to every section of the people across the country.