New Delhi, August 18: Opposition leaders have reacted sharply to comments made by Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy regarding Congress senior leader Sonia Gandhi’s Italian origin. They termed his remarks as unfortunate and accused the BJP and RSS of continuing the politics of division and rule.
This criticism comes amid a growing controversy surrounding “Vande Mataram,” which has escalated into a significant political dispute. Kumaraswamy questioned Sonia Gandhi’s Indian identity, stating, “Is Sonia Gandhi truly one of us? She came to India after marriage. Clearly, Italian blood runs in her veins.”
Speaking to reporters in Hassan on Monday, Kumaraswamy’s remarks drew immediate backlash. CPI-M General Secretary M.A. Baby condemned the comments, asserting that as a central minister and leader of the Janata Dal (Secular), he should not have made a personal attack on a key opposition figure.
He emphasized, “It is very unfortunate that Kumaraswamy has personally attacked one of the major leaders of the opposition. When the government was in power, she was the chairperson of the UPA.” Baby recalled that in 2004, Sonia Gandhi could have become Prime Minister as she was the undisputed leader of the party at that time, but she declined the position and chose Manmohan Singh instead.
CPI General Secretary D. Raja noted that the controversy involves two separate issues: the Vande Mataram debate and Kumaraswamy’s comments about Sonia Gandhi. He stated, “There was a debate in Parliament on this issue. While no consensus was reached, the current government led by PM Modi passed it with a majority. Now, questions are being raised in several states, including Tamil Nadu.”
Raja condemned Kumaraswamy’s statements, asserting, “Ultimately, Sonia is a leader of the Indian National Congress. She is a Member of Parliament and one of the senior leaders in the country.” He added, “People marry across different castes and nationalities, adapting to the environment of the country where they settle with their partners. Why is this issue being raised in Sonia Gandhi’s case? Dignity should be maintained when making such comments. It is inappropriate for leaders like Kumaraswamy to attack or criticize Sonia Gandhi on this basis. We do not agree with this.”
Congress MP Kumari Selja remarked that these statements reflect the mindset of the BJP and RSS. She stated, “Look, their thinking has always been this way. They cannot rise above such matters. In fact, these people are the true heirs of the British.” Selja accused the BJP-RSS of adopting a “divide and rule” policy.
DMK spokesperson T.K.S. Elangovan added, “Yes, she is from Italy. Everyone knows this, but she works for Indians. She married an Indian leader, and their children are also in politics. They are all contributing. Regarding Vande Mataram, it was decided that the entire song should not be sung. This decision was made back in 1947, so only part of it should be sung.”
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