Uttar Pradesh Assembly Speaker Mata Prasad Pandey on Tuesday reserved his verdict on the charges levelled by political parties against the BJP for allegedly insulting the national song, Vande Mataram, and contempt of Chair on the opening day of the budget session.
Raising the issue through a point of order during Zero Hour, State Handicapped Minister Ambika Choudhury accused the BJP members of contempt of Chair when they blocked Speaker’s entry in the House and later remained out when the national song was being played on the start of the session.
‘’BJP, which always champions for national national song, have insulted the country by their act and hence a strict action should be taken against them,’’ Choudhury said.
The statement of the minister was supported by leader of the Opposition and BSP member Swami Prasad Maurya, who also demanded action against the BJP members for contempt of Chair and insult to the national song.
Congress legislature party leader Pradeep Mathur alleged that BJP leaders never participated in the independence movement and were only involved in instigating communal riots.
However, BJP leader Satish Mahana said they had no intention of blocking the entry of the Speaker and they were inside the House when Vande Mataram was played on June 19. He also challenged that the Speaker should himself watch the CCTV recordings to check their presence during the national song.
He also questioned why the matter was raised so late. The House witnessed some noisy scenes when BJP and Congress members charged each other on the issue. But the Speaker intervened and pacified the members. He announced to reserve his verdict on the matter and said after a thorough investigation, he would deliver his judgement.
On the opening day of the budget session of the assembly, BJP members protesting over the law and order situation in the state had first blocked the entry of Speaker and then they rushed into the House when Vande Mataram was on.