Shimla, August 23: Leader of Opposition and former Chief Minister Jairam Thakur said that the country would not accept any insult to Vande Mataram and that the Congress could not decide that the national song should be sung in a truncated form.
The BJP Legislature Party, led by Jairam Thakur, held a counter-protest at Ridge Maidan in Shimla on Sunday against the Congress and collectively sang Vande Mataram and other patriotic songs. The protest lasted around one-and-a-half hours and was attended by BJP MLAs and hundreds of party workers.
Thakur said the BJP had demanded that the complete Vande Mataram be respectfully sung in the Assembly. He alleged that its mention was removed from the programme despite being included initially, leading to a deadlock in the House.
He said Vande Mataram symbolises the sacrifices made during India’s freedom struggle and cannot be compromised for political reasons. He added that the country runs according to the Constitution and parliamentary institutions, not the directives of any political party.
Thakur also said that if the video recording of the Assembly proceedings was not provided, the BJP would consider legal options, including approaching the High Court. He maintained that the opposition wants discussion on issues of public interest, while the ruling party itself is walking out of the House and avoiding debate.
