Shimla, August 21, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The Monsoon Session of the Himachal Pradesh Assembly was adjourned within 10 minutes of commencement on Friday after BJP legislators protested over the non-rendition of Vande Mataram, triggering an uproar and counter-sloganeering between the Opposition and Treasury benches.
As the House assembled for the opening day of the session, BJP MLA and former Assembly Speaker Vipin Singh Parmar raised the issue and sought permission from Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania to speak on it.
Parmar alleged that the Congress had insulted the national song by deciding to sing only two stanzas of Vande Mataram at its programmes. He also claimed that the Centre had enacted a law making the singing of the complete song mandatory and alleged that the Congress decision violated the law.
Speaker Pathania clarified that the Central government’s provision concerning Vande Mataram did not apply to state Legislative Assemblies and was intended for government functions. He nevertheless said the complete version of the national song would be sung at the conclusion of the Assembly session.
The Speaker pointed out that, according to Assembly tradition, the session begins with the national anthem and concludes with the national song. He appealed to Opposition members to cooperate with the proceedings, particularly as the opening day was reserved for obituary references and tributes to former members.
The BJP members, however, continued raising slogans, prompting Congress legislators to respond with counter-slogans. As the disruption continued, the Speaker adjourned the House until 11 a.m. on Saturday.
Outside the Assembly, leaders of both parties accused each other of disrespecting national symbols.
Leader of Opposition and former Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur criticised Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu over the issue, saying the country was governed by laws passed by Parliament and the Constitution rather than decisions of the Congress Working Committee.
Thakur described the reported decision to sing only two stanzas as condemnable and an insult to freedom fighters. He also referred to the Congress’ 1937 decision concerning the rendition of Vande Mataram, alleging that the party had compromised on the complete song to avoid displeasing the Muslim League.
Thakur said that with the complete Vande Mataram now being sung again and the song echoing from the Red Fort, the Congress should respect national symbols and national pride.
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