India, Aug. 16 -- A fresh political controversy erupted on Saturday after a video from the Congress party's Independence Day programme at its headquarters appeared to show party president Mallikarjun Kharge and Congress Parliamentary Party (CPP) chairperson Sonia Gandhi making gestures that seemed to ask workers to stop the rendition of the national song, Vande Mataram.

Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi was also seen appearing to follow the gesture moments later, triggering sharp reactions on social media and allegations that the Congress leadership was uncomfortable with the song being played.

BJP hit out at the grand old party, alleging that its top leaders Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge showed "utter disrespect" to...