Special session commences in Karnataka: BJP-JD (S) MLAs defy state order, sing full Vande Mataram in House

Bengaluru: BJP and JD(S) MLAs on Monday sang the full version of Vande Mataram inside the Karnataka Legislature, defying the state government’s directive to restrict the rendition to two stanzas.

The rendition began soon after Speaker G.S. Patil took his Chair. After the first two stanzas were sung, the official rendition was stopped.

However, the BJP and JD(S) members continued singing the remaining portions of the national song.

The members continued with the full song even as the Speaker began reading out the Preamble to the Constitution. They later concluded the rendition with slogans of “Jai Hind”.

The development came amid a controversy over the government’s decision to restrict the official rendition of Vande Mataram to two stanzas during the ongoing Assembly session.

BJP leaders had opposed the decision and said they would sing the full song in the Legislature.

Following the rendition, the House proceeded to pay condolences over former BJP legislator R.B. Shiriyannavar, who passed away recently.

The Speaker asked Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar to speak about the former legislator. Leader of Opposition R. Ashoka also paid tribute to Shiriyannavar.

The BJP and JD(S) members’ decision to continue singing the full song marked a fresh flashpoint between the Opposition and the government during the special Assembly session.

It can be noted that R. Ashoka on Monday said the BJP would sing the full Vande Mataram in the Karnataka Assembly and outside it, challenging the state government to stop them if it had the authority to do so.

Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, Ashoka said, “Vande Mataram is in every cell of our blood. We will sing Vande Mataram in full at any cost. Let hundreds come, like Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, we will sing it inside and outside the House. If the government has the capacity, let it stop us."

Responding to government's statement that a case would be filed if the directions were violated, Ashoka said, “Let him file the case. Let us see the consequences. I myself will sing in front of that minister. Let him do anything.”

The three-day special session of the Karnataka Legislature is scheduled to commence on Monday. The government has convened the session primarily to discuss the drought situation in the state and the Kasturirangan report.

The government is expected to take a decision on the Kasturirangan report during the session. The issue has remained contentious in parts of Karnataka, particularly over concerns regarding restrictions that could follow the implementation of the recommendations.

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