India, Nov. 7 -- Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Member of Parliament from Karnataka's Uttara Kannada constituency has stirred a major political row after his public comment that Jana Gana Mana -- India's national anthem -- was originally written to honour the British.

The Congress hit back quickly with Karnataka minister Priyank Kharge accusing the BJP of twisting history.

Speaking at an event in Honnavar, the former speaker of the Karnataka Assembly said there was once a strong movement 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." A video of his remarks has been widely shared on social media. ...