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15 August Controversy: Modi’s Pocket Square, Sonia Gandhi Stops Vande Mataram
India’s 80th Independence Day saw two political controversies over PM Modi’s tricolour pocket square and the singing of Vande Mataram at Congress headquarters.
India celebrated its 80th Independence Day on 15 August 2026, but the day also saw two political controversies involving national symbols.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort in New Delhi. He wore a traditional outfit with a red Bandhani turban and a three-colour pocket square.
The pocket square became controversial on social media because its colours appeared as green, white and saffron. Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera questioned the colour order and mocked Modi by asking if he was celebrating Ireland's Independence Day.
However, the pocket square was not the Indian National Flag. It was a decorative item and did not have the Ashoka Chakra. The Flag Code of India applies to the actual National Flag, so the pocket square cannot simply be called an incorrectly displayed National Flag.
The second controversy took place at the Congress headquarters in New Delhi during the singing of Vande Mataram. Videos showed Congress leaders Mallikarjun Kharge, Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi making hand gestures during the performance.
BJP leaders alleged that Sonia Gandhi was trying to stop the song. Congress rejected the allegation and said she was asking for a chair for Kharge. The full rendition of Vande Mataram was completed.
Vande Mataram was written by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, and its first two stanzas are recognised as India's National Song. The longer version has also been the subject of religious and political debates.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah criticised Congress over the incident and demanded an apology, while Congress continued to deny the BJP's allegations.
Thus, India's 80th Independence Day celebrations were accompanied by two political controversies—one over Modi's tricolour pocket square and another over Vande Mataram at the Congress headquarters.