BJP Yuva Morcha Stages Protest in Pune Over Alleged Disrespect to ‘Vande Mataram’ at Congress Headquarters
Shivajinagar, 17th August 2026: The Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM), Pune city unit, staged a protest at Goodluck Chowk in Deccan on Monday over an alleged disrespect to the national song ‘Vande Mataram’ at the Congress headquarters in New Delhi.
The protest was attended by BJYM office-bearers, college students and citizens. Protesters carrying the Tricolour and placards raised slogans against Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge.
Addressing the protesters, BJYM Pune city president Dushyant Mohol accused the Congress leadership of disrespecting the national song and said the incident had hurt the sentiments of citizens.
“An incident at the Congress headquarters is not merely an insult to a song but an insult to the freedom struggle and the sacrifices of those who laid down their lives for the country,” Mohol said.
He also criticised the Congress leadership over what he described as its approach towards national symbols and demanded a public and unconditional apology from Rahul Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge.
Mohol further warned that the BJYM would oppose Rahul Gandhi’s scheduled Pune visit on August 22 if he did not apologise over the alleged incident.
“If Rahul Gandhi does not publicly apologise, the BJYM will not allow his Pune visit to proceed smoothly. Our workers will take to the streets and oppose the visit,” Mohol said.
During the protest, participants raised slogans including “We will not tolerate disrespect to Vande Mataram”, “Rahul Gandhi apologise” and “Bharat Mata Ki Jai”.
The protest was attended by Sarvesh Mendale, Sanket Shitole, Rakesh Shinde, Sagar Shete, Anurag Mishra, Suchit Deshpande, Sanket Biramane, Tejas Marane, Rohan Kokate, Pravin Vanshiv, Pankaj Gite, Rishikesh Barate, Kiran Orse, Yashraj Tilekar, Yogesh Kannur, Yogesh Jagtap, Pournima Anaspure, Manisha Dharane, Joshna Pandey, Jagruti Vichare and Suprita Jeur, among others.
The BJYM said it would intensify protests against what it described as attempts to disrespect national symbols and the sacrifices of freedom fighters.
