Archive · 22 Aug 2026
Vande Mataram Row Disrupts Himachal Assembly For Second Day
The Himachal Pradesh Assembly argued for a second day about patriotic songs and the National Anthem.
Congress said some BJP lawmakers did not show proper respect while the National Anthem was being played.
The BJP denied this and asked to see CCTV video of the earlier proceedings.
BJP leaders said the video would show what really happened.
They also accused Congress of disrespecting Vande Mataram.
Congress rejected that claim and said the BJP was turning the Assembly into a political stage.
The argument led lawmakers to shout slogans and protest.
The Speaker stopped the meeting twice, and the Assembly will meet again on Monday.
The Himachal Pradesh Assembly was adjourned twice amid a dispute over Vande Mataram and the National Anthem.
Congress accused BJP legislators of disrespecting the National Anthem during Friday’s proceedings.
The BJP demanded CCTV footage, saying it would clarify whether its members had violated protocol.
BJP members protested outside the Speaker’s office and warned of approaching the Governor or High Court.
The House was ultimately adjourned until Monday after continued slogans and heated exchanges.
- Who
- Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur, Congress and BJP legislators, and Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania.
- What
- A dispute over alleged disrespect toward the National Anthem and Vande Mataram disrupted the Assembly’s monsoon session.
- When
- The dispute continued on Saturday, following Friday’s proceedings; the House was adjourned until Monday.
- Where
- The Himachal Pradesh Assembly, with BJP members also protesting outside the Speaker’s office.
- Why
- Congress and the BJP made competing allegations about conduct during the National Anthem and the rendition of Vande Mataram.
Congress Position
BJP Position
Conduct during the National Anthem
Congress Position
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu alleged that BJP MLAs raised their hands before the National Anthem ended, calling this disrespectful.
BJP Position
Jai Ram Thakur maintained that BJP MLAs raised the issue only after the National Anthem had been completed and demanded video evidence.
CCTV footage
Congress Position
Congress defended its allegation and accused the BJP of creating a political dispute in the Assembly.
BJP Position
The BJP demanded release of the CCTV recording, saying it would establish what happened and that the Chief Minister should apologise if the allegation was disproved.
Vande Mataram
Congress Position
Congress rejected the BJP’s allegations and said the National Song should not be used for party politics.
BJP Position
The BJP alleged that Congress had disrespected Vande Mataram, citing a Congress Working Committee event and the party’s 1937 resolution on the National Song.
- Session
- Himachal Pradesh Assembly monsoon session
- Disruption
- The House was adjourned first until 2 pm and later until Monday.
- BJP demand
- Release and examination of CCTV footage from Friday’s proceedings.
- Congress allegation
- BJP legislators allegedly raised their hands before the National Anthem had concluded.
- BJP allegation
- Congress allegedly insulted Vande Mataram and avoided addressing the CCTV demand.
- Possible next steps
- Jai Ram Thakur said the BJP could approach the Governor and the High Court if the footage was not released.