A major controversy has erupted in Assam after a senior Congress leader allegedly sang the national anthem of Bangladesh during a party meeting. The incident has triggered political outrage, sharp criticism, and widespread debate about cultural sensitivity and political conduct.
The episode occurred in the Barak Valley region during a district-level meeting of the Congress Seva Dal in Sribhumi. According to eyewitnesses, party leader Bidhu Bhushan Das began his address by singing “Amar Sonar Bangla”, a song composed by Rabindranath Tagore, which later became the national anthem of Bangladesh. His action quickly drew attention and soon went viral on social media, creating a storm of reactions.
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Members of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Assam condemned the act, calling it inappropriate and insensitive. They claimed that singing a foreign country’s anthem at an Indian political event showed a lack of respect for national identity. Some BJP leaders demanded a formal investigation, urging authorities to examine whether any law had been violated. Others accused the Congress of promoting divisive sentiments for political gain.
However, the Congress party defended its leader and said the incident was being blown out of proportion. Senior Congress members explained that “Amar Sonar Bangla” was a creation of Tagore, who also wrote India’s national anthem “Jana Gana Mana”. They stressed that the song was performed in a cultural spirit, not with political or nationalistic intent. The party also accused the BJP of twisting the event for electoral advantage.
The Barak Valley, where the incident occurred, is a Bengali-speaking region with close cultural ties to Bangladesh. Many locals view Tagore’s works as part of their shared heritage. Cultural experts have pointed out that the song “Amar Sonar Bangla” was originally written long before Bangladesh’s independence and was never intended to symbolise political allegiance. For them, the leader’s act represented cultural pride rather than a political statement.
Despite these explanations, the controversy continues to dominate discussions across Assam. Political observers believe that the anthem incident has become a tool for rival parties to mobilize their supporters ahead of upcoming elections. The BJP has accused the Congress of appealing to linguistic sentiment at the cost of national unity, while the Congress has accused the BJP of targeting minority communities to polarize voters.
Local residents in the Barak Valley have expressed mixed reactions. Some said it was inappropriate to sing another nation’s anthem at a political meeting, even unintentionally. Others, however, viewed it as a harmless act that should not have been politicized. A few attendees of the event said they were surprised when the leader began singing the song but did not see it as an anti-national act.
The state government has acknowledged the controversy and indicated that it may look into the matter. Officials said that while cultural expression is encouraged, political gatherings should maintain proper decorum. They also advised political parties to ensure that such incidents do not occur in the future to avoid unnecessary public tension.
Tourism and cultural experts believe the episode reflects the unique identity of the Barak Valley, which has long been influenced by cross-border traditions, literature, and art. They added that the region’s cultural diversity often overlaps with political sensitivity, making it essential for leaders to act with caution in public events.
Meanwhile, opposition leaders and social activists have called for restraint from both sides. They said the anthem incident should not be exaggerated for political mileage. Instead, it should serve as a reminder that cultural heritage must be preserved while respecting national symbols. Some also urged the media to act responsibly and avoid sensationalism.
The controversy has also revived discussions about India’s historical connections with Bangladesh through art and literature. Many intellectuals have argued that Tagore’s compositions, shared by both nations, represent unity rather than division. They called on political parties to recognize the difference between cultural expression and political propaganda.
As the row continues, Congress leader Bidhu Bhushan Das has maintained that his act was unintentional and purely cultural. He expressed regret for the misunderstanding but insisted that he meant no disrespect. His supporters said he has been an active public servant for decades and that the incident should not overshadow his record.
The anthem incident in Assam underlines how easily cultural gestures can turn into political controversies in regions with layered identities. It shows that art and politics often intersect in unpredictable ways, especially in states like Assam, where language and heritage are deeply intertwined with public life.
In conclusion, the episode reflects the importance of sensitivity in public actions, especially in diverse societies. While the Congress defends the act as cultural expression and the BJP calls it disrespectful, the larger question remains: how can leaders balance cultural pride with national respect? The answer may lie in fostering mutual understanding, where both heritage and patriotism coexist without conflict.
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