Shimla, August 26, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The Himachal Pradesh Assembly on Wednesday witnessed another heated exchange between the treasury and Opposition benches over the alleged disrespect to the national anthem, with Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur threatening to move a privilege motion against Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and approach the High Court.
The confrontation began shortly after Question Hour when Thakur raised the issue through a point of order. He said he had watched a video of the national anthem being sung in the House multiple times and found no evidence that any BJP MLA had 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,” Thakur said.
He termed the matter a breach of privilege and said the BJP would approach the High Court against the Chief Minister.
Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi countered that voices could be heard in the video but the faces of those present were not visible. He also said the Assembly was “larger than the High Court”, adding that the national anthem is sung at the beginning and the national song at the conclusion of a legislative session.
Chief Minister Sukhu said the BJP could approach any national court or High Court but would be exposed wherever it went.
“BJP MLAs should apologise for this act; if they apologise, then they can be forgiven,” Sukhu said. He alleged that the issue had itself led to disrespect of the national anthem when it was raised in the House on August 21.
Sukhu said both the national anthem and national song were paramount and accused the BJP of attempting to divide the country along religious and caste lines.
Technical Education Minister Rajesh Dharmani also criticised the Opposition, saying both the national anthem and national song were symbols of national pride and honour and those who had created controversy by comparing them should apologise.
The exchange led members from both sides to rise from their seats and protest, prompting Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania to repeatedly appeal for calm and restraint.
Pathania told the Opposition that since it had initiated the discussion, the Chief Minister also had the right to respond, and stressed that members on both sides had equal rights to speak.
Thakur also criticised ministers for giving lengthy responses to questions, saying answers should follow Assembly rules rather than resemble speeches at public meetings.
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