Himachal Assembly again witnesses uproar over ‘disrespect’ to national anthem

Shimla, Aug 26 (IANS) The Himachal Pradesh Assembly on Wednesday again witnessed heated arguments between the treasury and the Opposition benches over the alleged disrespect to the national anthem.

Speaking on a point of order soon after Question Hour, Leader of the Opposition Jai Ram Thakur threatened to move a privilege motion against Chief Minister Sukhvinder Sukhu and also to approach the High Court.

The Chief Minister retorted by saying the BJP would be exposed wherever they went. Intervening in the arguments, Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi said the House is bigger than the High Court. Members from both sides rose from their seats and protested against each other.

Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania repeatedly urged members to remain calm, maintain dignity, and remain in their seats. The Speaker interrupted the Opposition by saying, “You started the discussion; now the Chief Minister also has every right to speak. You have demonstrated your conduct. Therefore, members on both sides have equal rights to speak.”

Taking a dig at the lengthy answers being given by ministers, the BJP leader and former Chief Minister said the answers were becoming too lengthy, as if they were giving speeches in a public meeting. In the future, the rules for asking questions should be followed. Referring to a video, he said the national anthem was sung with full respect inside the House.

“I have watched the video of the national anthem 10 times, and found no evidence that any BJP MLA disrespected it. If there had been any genuine mistake, we would have apologised. However, by making this allegation, the Chief Minister has insulted 7.5 million people of the state. This constitutes a direct breach of privilege, and the BJP will file a lawsuit against the Chief Minister in the High Court,” he said.

Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi said voices are audible in the video, but faces are not visible. He said this House “is larger than the High Court”. He added that the national anthem is sung at the beginning and the national song at the end of any legislative session.

Amidst the uproar, CM Sukhu said the Opposition could go to whichever national court or high court they want, but “we will expose their truth everywhere”.

“BJP MLAs should apologise for this act; if they apologise, then they can be forgiven. By raising questions on the national anthem on August 21, the national anthem itself was actually insulted. Both the national anthem and the national song are paramount for us, and both contain all the sentiments. The BJP always works to divide the country on the basis of religion and caste,” said the Chief Minister.

Technical Education Minister Rajesh Dharmani launched a scathing attack on the BJP, stating that both the national anthem and the national song “are symbols of national pride and honour, and those who have created political controversy by comparing them should apologise”.

–IANS

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