New Delhi : On the last day of the Monsoon Session, Lok Sabha proceedings opened with Vande Mataram on Thursday, marking a first for Parliament. After six stanzas of the National Song were played, the Lower House was subsequently adjourned sine die, bringing the session to a close. The development comes days after President Droupadi Murmu gave her assent to legislation providing legal protection to Vande Mataram.
The law makes intentional disruption or prevention of the singing of the National Song a punishable offence, placing it on a similar legal footing to the National Anthem. The government had earlier issued protocols governing the singing at official functions. The Union Home Ministry prescribed that six stanzas of the song be sung on occasions including the arrival of the President, unfurling of the Tricolour and addresses by governors.
The final day saw rival protests by the BJP and the INDIA bloc at Makar Dwar in the Parliament complex, underscoring the deep divisions that marked the session. The legislation makes intentional disruption or prevention of the singing of the National Song a punishable offence. The conclusion of the session came after weeks of repeated disruptions and heated exchanges between the government and Opposition parties.
On the last day of the session as well, the opposition raised slogans against the government. Rival protests by the BJP and the Opposition took place at Makar Dwar in the Parliament complex, underscoring the deep divisions that marked the session. The BJP protested against Rahul Gandhi, accusing the Congress of failing to acknowledge the ongoing protests in Jharkhand, while Opposition parties continued to press their own demands.
Since the session began on July 20, proceedings have been frequently stalled over issues including police crackdown on student protesters during the NEET paper leak agitation and the Ram Mandir donation theft case. Shah had on Wednesday said he was ready for a debate and would respond to each of the Opposition’s queries. He had also urged the Speaker to consult the Opposition and allocate time for a discussion on the students’ issue.
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