BJP-Congress clash over Vande Mataram stalls Himachal Assembly on Day 1

Proceedings of the Himachal Pradesh Assembly were adjourned for the day on the opening day of the Monsoon session on Friday, Aug 21 after the Opposition raised slogans against the Congress over the Vande Mataram issue.

As soon as House proceedings began, Opposition BJP MLA Vipin Singh Parmar raised the Vande Mataram issue and sought Assembly Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania's permission to speak on it.

Parmar argued the Congress had "insulted" the national song by deciding to sing only two stanzas of Vande Mataram at its events, and said the Centre had enacted a new law making it mandatory to sing the full version.

Pathania clarified that the law does not apply to state assemblies and is intended only for government functions. He assured the House, however, that the full version of Vande Mataram would be sung at the conclusion of the session, adding that Assembly sessions traditionally begin with the National Anthem and conclude with the National Song.

The Speaker urged the Opposition to cooperate, noting the first day was reserved for obituary references and tributes to departed members, and said it would not be appropriate to skip paying homage to them.

The Opposition continued raising slogans regardless, prompting ruling party members to raise counter-slogans, leading to a major uproar in the House. Amid the disruption, the Speaker adjourned proceedings for the day.