The opening day of the Monsoon session of the Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly in Shimla witnessed intense chaos on Friday. Proceedings commenced at 11 AM, but quickly descended into turmoil as Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) opposition legislators created an uproar demanding the singing of Vande Mataram right at the beginning of the session. Escalating slogan-shouting from both sides forced Speaker Kuldeep Pathania to adjourn the house after running for just 19 minutes. The proceedings are scheduled to resume on Saturday at 11 AM.
Opposition Demands Vande Mataram Recital at Session Commencement
As soon as the assembly convened, opposition BJP MLAs stood up at their seats and sought permission to speak. The legislators insistently demanded that Vande Mataram be sung at the start of the house proceedings and urged strict adherence to legal provisions and rules. When their demand was not immediately taken up, opposition members began raising loud slogans against the government, disrupting the planned agenda of the house and creating a scene of complete disorder.
Speaker Cites Legislative Traditions and Order of Business
Amid the growing din, Speaker Kuldeep Pathania intervened to restore order and addressed the protesting legislators. He emphasized that the assembly functions strictly in accordance with long-standing Parliamentary traditions. Pathania clarified that as per established rules, the session opens with the National Anthem, whereas Vande Mataram is traditionally sung at the conclusion of the session. He urged members not to attempt setting new precedents and asked them to let the house proceed with condolence messages for departed leaders, assuring them that ample time would be allocated for further discussions later.
Mutual Slogan-Shouting Leads to Early Adjournment
Despite the Speaker's repeated appeals, the confrontation intensified as treasury bench members also retaliated. The Chief Minister, cabinet ministers, and Congress legislators joined the fray, launching a sharp counter-protest and chanting slogans against the BJP. The Chief Minister was seen actively participating in the demonstration from the treasury benches. Realizing that orderly discussion was impossible amid the unyielding clamor from both sides, Speaker Kuldeep Pathania adjourned the assembly proceedings for the day. Following the announcement, opposition MLAs marched out of the house while continuing their slogan-shouting outside.
