A political storm erupted on Wednesday, October 29, after a video surfaced showing a Congress leader allegedly singing Bangladesh’s national anthem at a party event. While BJP leaders quickly condemned the act, calling it “anti-national,” Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi has come forward to defend his colleague, stating that the song was composed by Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore and represents the shared cultural heritage of Bengal.
Gogoi accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of deliberately twisting facts to malign Bengali identity and the values of inclusivity that Tagore stood for. “Rabindranath Tagore’s songs transcend borders and unite people through art and emotion,” he said, adding that “to attack this song is to attack Tagore himself.”
The Controversy Over the Song
The controversy began when a local Congress leader was filmed singing Amar Sonar Bangla during a gathering in Silchar. BJP leaders quickly claimed that the song is Bangladesh’s national anthem and accused the Congress of disrespecting the Indian identity.
Social media amplified the incident, with several BJP supporters demanding an apology from the Congress. Many accused the party of “appeasement politics” and “questioning India’s sovereignty.”
However, Gaurav Gogoi, a prominent Congress MP from Assam’s Kaliabor constituency. It dismissed these accusations as baseless and politically motivated. He clarified that the leader was merely paying tribute to Tagore’s legacy. And the rich literary culture of Bengal, which has historically been a part of India’s shared heritage.
Gogoi: “BJP Doesn’t Understand Art and Culture”
In his statement, Gogoi accused the BJP of attempting to politicize culture and literature for electoral gain. “The BJP has always tried to divide people along linguistic and cultural lines. Their attack on Tagore’s song is an insult to every Bengali who takes pride in their roots,” he said.
He added that the BJP’s constant efforts to stir controversy over cultural symbols expose their lack of understanding of India’s pluralistic identity. “Tagore’s compositions, including Jana Gana Mana and Amar Sonar Bangla, celebrate humanity, freedom, and love for one’s land. These ideals go beyond narrow political boundaries,” Gogoi said.
The Congress MP further emphasized that his party stands for cultural inclusivity and unity, and will never allow the BJP to distort the meaning of Tagore’s works for political mileage.
BJP’s Counterattack
BJP leaders in Assam, however, dismissed Gogoi’s defense, calling it an attempt to justify “unpatriotic behavior.” They argued that Amar Sonar Bangla is the national anthem of Bangladesh and should not be sung in official or political gatherings in India.
A BJP spokesperson from Assam accused the Congress of showing “divided loyalties” and disrespecting India’s national symbols. “Tagore’s Jana Gana Mana is India’s anthem, and that’s what represents our nation. Singing another country’s anthem, regardless of who wrote it, is unacceptable,” the spokesperson said.
The BJP also questioned why Congress leaders often “resort to controversial gestures” instead of focusing on governance and public welfare.
Cultural and Political Debate Deepens
The controversy has once again highlighted the fine line between cultural admiration and national symbolism. Rabindranath Tagore, who wrote both India’s and Bangladesh’s national anthems, remains one of the most revered literary figures in the subcontinent. His compositions are celebrated across India, Bangladesh, and the global Bengali diaspora.
Experts and cultural commentators have also joined the debate. Some argue that art should not be confined by political borders. While others maintain that political gatherings are not the appropriate platform for such cultural expressions.
In Assam, where linguistic and ethnic sensitivities are already high, the issue has added another layer of political tension ahead of the state’s upcoming elections.
Gogoi Calls for Respect Toward Tagore’s Legacy
Reiterating his stance, Gaurav Gogoi urged all political parties to maintain respect for Rabindranath Tagore’s contributions to Indian civilization. “Tagore belongs to the world, not just to one nation. His songs are symbols of peace and unity. The BJP’s reaction only shows how little they value cultural diversity,” he stated.
Gogoi also warned the BJP against alienating the Bengali-speaking population in Assam, who form a significant part of the state’s social fabric. “Bengali culture is deeply rooted in Assam’s identity. By attacking Tagore, the BJP is insulting the people who cherish his art,” he said.
The Congress leader called for a “more mature and respectful” political discourse that upholds India’s cultural integrity instead of dividing communities.
The Larger Political Picture
Political analysts believe that the controversy could influence cultural and linguistic politics in Assam and West Bengal. The BJP has been focusing on issues of identity and nationalism, while the Congress has attempted to project itself as a party of inclusivity and artistic freedom.
The incident has also reignited discussions about the BJP’s approach to regional identities and its handling of cultural sensitivities in the Northeast.
Observers note that Gogoi’s intervention reflects Congress’s strategy to consolidate support among Assamese and Bengali voters by portraying the BJP as culturally intolerant.
Art, Politics, and Identity
The anthem controversy underscores the tension between nationalism and cultural pluralism in modern India. For Gaurav Gogoi, defending the song is about preserving the dignity of Tagore’s legacy and protecting Bengal’s cultural pride.
As Assam’s political climate heats up ahead of the next elections, the debate over a song has become symbolic of a larger battle between inclusivity and exclusion, between art and politics.
