A new Assam Congress anthem controversy has erupted after a local party leader allegedly sang Amar Sonar Bangla — the national anthem of Bangladesh — during a Congress meeting in Sribhumi (formerly Karimganj district). The incident, confirmed by local media reports on October 29, 2025, has sparked intense political reactions across Assam’s Barak Valley.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) accused the Congress of “insulting national pride,” while Congress leaders maintained that the song was sung purely as a Rabindra Sangeet — a Bengali cultural expression, not a political statement.
What Sparked the Assam Congress Anthem Controversy?
The Sribhumi meeting and the song choice
The Assam Congress anthem controversy began during a local Seva Dal meeting in Sribhumi, where district leader Bidhu Bhushan Das reportedly opened the session by singing Amar Sonar Bangla, Ami Tomay Bhalobasi, written by Rabindranath Tagore. The song, composed in 1905, was later adopted as the national anthem of Bangladesh in 1971.
The meeting, held to discuss upcoming organizational programs, quickly turned into a flashpoint once videos circulated online.
BJP’s sharp response
BJP leaders condemned the act, calling it a “blatant disregard for India’s sovereignty.” Assam minister Krishnendu Paul said the state government would order a probe into whether the act violated national respect laws.
On social media platform X (formerly Twitter), the Assam BJP posted:
“Bangladesh’s national anthem sung at a Congress meeting in Sribhumi! This shows how disconnected the party is from India’s values.”
Congress Defends Cultural Expression
‘It was a Tagore song, not an anthem’
Local Congress spokesperson Shahadat Ahmed Choudhury clarified that the leader was paying homage to Rabindranath Tagore, not Bangladesh.
“The song is part of India’s cultural heritage. It’s unfair to call it an act of disrespect,” he said.
The party accused the BJP of twisting a cultural moment into political propaganda.
The cultural angle
Amar Sonar Bangla was written when Bengal was partitioned in 1905 and reflected the pain of a divided land. Many Bengalis in Assam’s Barak Valley, especially those in border areas, consider the song part of their shared linguistic and cultural identity.
However, in a politically sensitive region like Assam, where identity and citizenship debates often dominate, even cultural expressions can spark major controversies.
Political and Social Repercussions
Border sensitivities magnified
The Assam Congress anthem controversy comes amid renewed discussions about illegal migration and border security. The BJP has used the incident to reinforce its narrative about “foreign cultural influence” in border districts like Karimganj and Cachar.
Political analysts suggest the controversy could shape upcoming Assam Assembly elections, influencing voter sentiment in the Bengali-speaking Barak Valley.
Public reaction divided
While some citizens condemned the act as “unpatriotic,” others defended it, calling it “a proud moment for Bengali culture.” On social media, hashtags like #AssamCongressAnthemRow and #AmarSonarBangla began trending within hours.
Government Orders Inquiry
Assam’s Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma directed officials to investigate the incident to determine whether the singing of Amar Sonar Bangla violated any laws.
Sources from the Home Department confirmed that video footage has been sent for review. Legal experts note that, unless intent to insult national symbols is proven, the act may not attract penal action.
The Larger Picture
The Assam Congress anthem controversy highlights how culture, politics, and national identity intersect in India’s Northeast. What began as a local Congress event now underscores deeper issues of belonging and heritage.
Observers believe the incident shows how even music — especially in border regions with shared ethnic roots — can become a political battlefield.
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