A senior BJP MP from Karnataka claimed that the national anthem, Jana Gana Mana, was written by Rabindranath Tagore to welcome the British, drawing sharp reaction from the Congress party.

Vishweshwar Hegde Kageri, the former Assembly Speaker, allegedly made the remark while addressing an event at Honnavara in Karwar. He said there was a strong chorus to make Vande Mataram the national anthem.

“However, our ancestors decided that along with Vande Mataram, Jana Gana Mana, which was composed to welcome the British, should also be included. Today, we have accepted it and continue to follow it,” he said. A video of his speech has since gone viral on social platforms.

His remarks came as India celebrates 150 years of the national song with the BJP organising special events at 150 places acros

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