Political tensions in Assam have escalated sharply following allegations against senior Congress leader Vidhu Bhushan Das, who was seen singing “Amar Sonar Bangla,” the national anthem of Bangladesh, during a party meeting in Sribhumi district on October 27, 2025. The incident, captured in a viral video from a Congress Seva Dal gathering in the Bengali-speaking Barak Valley, has triggered a fierce backlash from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and prompted Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma to order a treason case against the district Congress committee.
The controversy has not only deepened the political divide in the state but also sparked a broader debate on nationalism, regional identity, and the role of cultural symbols in political discourse. With the 2026 Assam Assembly elections looming, the incident is expected to play a significant role in shaping campaign narratives and voter sentiment.
📊 Timeline of the Anthem Controversy and Political Fallout
| Date | Event Description | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Oct 27, 2025 | Congress leader sings Bangladesh anthem in Sribhumi | Video goes viral |
| Oct 29, 2025 | BJP demands inquiry and action | Political uproar begins |
| Oct 30, 2025 | CM Himanta Biswa Sarma orders treason case | Legal proceedings initiated |
| Nov 1, 2025 | AIUDF and Congress respond with counter-allegations | Tensions escalate |
The incident has become a flashpoint in Assam’s volatile political landscape.
🧠 Key Stakeholders and Their Reactions
| Political Entity | Response Summary |
|---|---|
| BJP | Accused Congress of “Bangladesh obsession” |
| Congress | Defended Das, called it a cultural misunderstanding |
| AIUDF | Criticized CM Sarma for politicizing the issue |
| Assam Police | Initiated investigation under treason charges |
The BJP has framed the incident as a national insult, while Congress has attempted damage control.
🗣️ Statements from Political Leaders
| Leader | Statement Summary |
|---|---|
| Himanta Biswa Sarma | “This is blatant disrespect to India.” |
| Vidhu Bhushan Das | “I sang a song of cultural heritage, not politics.” |
| Rafiqul Islam (AIUDF) | “The CM is using this to divert attention from real issues.” |
The rhetoric has intensified, with each side leveraging the incident for political mileage.
📈 Impact on Assam’s Political Climate
| Area of Influence | Effect Summary |
|---|---|
| Electoral Strategy | BJP likely to use nationalism as a campaign plank |
| Congress Unity | Internal divisions exposed |
| Voter Sentiment | Polarization along linguistic and cultural lines |
| Media Coverage | High visibility, national attention |
The controversy has shifted political discourse from governance to identity politics.
🧭 Cultural Context of “Amar Sonar Bangla”
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Composer | Rabindranath Tagore |
| Historical Significance | Shared cultural roots between Bengal and Assam |
| Political Sensitivity | Used as Bangladesh’s national anthem |
| Regional Relevance | Popular in Barak Valley’s Bengali-speaking areas |
While the song holds cultural value, its political implications have sparked controversy.
🧠 Legal and Constitutional Dimensions
| Legal Provision | Relevance to Case |
|---|---|
| IPC Section 124A | Sedition (under review by Supreme Court) |
| UAPA | Unlikely to apply unless foreign links proven |
| Representation of People Act | May affect candidate eligibility if convicted |
Legal experts caution against misuse of sedition laws for political purposes.
📌 Conclusion
The anthem controversy involving Congress MP Vidhu Bhushan Das has ignited a political firestorm in Assam, with implications that extend beyond party lines and electoral calculations. As BJP pushes a nationalist narrative and Congress grapples with internal dissent, the incident underscores the fragile balance between cultural expression and political symbolism. With legal proceedings underway and public opinion sharply divided, Assam’s political future may hinge on how this controversy unfolds in the coming weeks.
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available news reports, political statements, and legal interpretations. It is intended for informational and editorial purposes only and does not constitute legal or political advice.
