BJP stages counter protest over Vande Mataram, Jai Ram Thakur warns of High Court move

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Jai Ram Thakur rejects national anthem insult allegations, demands Assembly video and warns of legal action if recording is not released.

Shimla , August 24

The BJP on Sunday staged a counter-protest at Shimla’s historic Ridge Maidan against the Congress over the Vande Mataram controversy in the Himachal Pradesh Assembly. Led by Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur, BJP legislators and workers held a nearly one-and-a-half-hour protest in front of Mahatma Gandhi’s statue and collectively sang Vande Mataram and patriotic songs.

Addressing the gathering, Thakur said there would be no compromise on the honour of Vande Mataram, which he described as a symbol of India’s freedom struggle and the sacrifices of freedom fighters.

He said the BJP demanded that the complete Vande Mataram be sung respectfully in the Assembly. Thakur also said no decision of the Congress Working Committee could be placed above the country and democratic institutions.

Rejecting allegations that the national anthem had been disrespected in the Assembly, Thakur said members of both the ruling party and Opposition had stood respectfully during the national anthem.

He said the BJP had sought the video recording of the Assembly proceedings but had not received it. Thakur demanded that the complete video be made public, warning that the BJP would explore legal options and approach the High Court if the recording was not provided.

Thakur also accused the state government of avoiding public-interest issues in the Assembly. He said the Opposition wanted discussions on employment, unemployment, the government’s guarantees and the state’s financial condition, but alleged that the ruling party was itself avoiding the proceedings.