Vande Mataram Row Erupts in Gujarat Assembly

GANDHINAGAR :  The opening of Gujarat Assembly’s three-day monsoon session was overshadowed by a fresh political flashpoint on Wednesday after Congress MLA Imran Khedawala sat down while Vande Mataram was being sung, prompting BJP leaders to accuse him of disrespecting the motherland and demanding an explanation.

The incident occurred at the beginning of the session, where singing Vande Mataram has traditionally been part of proceedings. Minister Pravin Mali termed Khedawala’s action an insult and said the MLA should clarify whether he sat down deliberately or by mistake.

If it was by mistake, an apology should be made,” Mali said, adding that such an incident had not occurred in the Assembly in the past. He said the matter could be raised in the House and action considered according to parliamentary procedure.

BJP MLA Mahesh Kaswala also criticised the Congress legislator, calling the incident “sad” and saying the Assembly represents the faith of people in democracy.

“Insulting Vande Mataram is an insult to the people of Gujarat,” Kaswala said, adding that BJP MLAs would meet the Speaker and demand that Congress clarify its position.

Khedawala, however, rejected the allegations and said his action was based on his objection to words added to the song later.

“I was standing when Vande Mataram was sung. I was standing when the preamble decided by leaders including Mahatma Gandhi and Sardar Patel in 1937 was sung. But I sat down when the added preamble was sung,” Khedawala said.

“I have love for the country and I don’t need to prove it to anyone. BJP leaders are not bigger than Sardar Saheb, Gandhiji or Babasaheb,” he added, insisting that the issue was his personal stand and not that of the Congress.

Following the condolence motion, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Hrishikesh Patel moved a motion to adjourn the House. Speaker Shankar Chaudhary subsequently announced the adjournment.

The Assembly will reconvene at 12 noon on September 10.