Shimla (Rajeev Sharma): The third day of the Himachal Pradesh Assembly’s monsoon session is set to begin amid continued political tension, with the dispute surrounding ‘Vande Mataram’ expected to remain at the centre of proceedings.
The issue has triggered repeated confrontations between the ruling Congress and opposition BJP since the session began. With the disagreement unresolved after two days, the spotlight is now on Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania, who is expected to consider the matter and may deliver a ruling in the House.
BJP-Congress Face-Off Over National Song
The controversy erupted on the opening day after the Assembly proceedings began with the National Anthem. BJP legislators objected to the absence of ‘Vande Mataram’ at that stage, leading to a heated exchange between the treasury and opposition benches.
The disagreement carried into the second day, with the issue again disrupting the functioning of the House.
The BJP has denied allegations that its legislators showed disrespect to the National Anthem. Leader of Opposition Jairam Thakur has maintained that BJP MLAs stood respectfully during the anthem and has called for the release of video footage of the proceedings to establish what happened.
The Congress has taken a different position, accusing the BJP of using the issue for political purposes. Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi has argued that the Assembly should instead focus on matters affecting the state’s residents.
Under the Assembly’s established practice, the National Anthem is played at the beginning of proceedings, while ‘Vande Mataram’ is traditionally sung at the conclusion. The difference over this arrangement has become the immediate trigger for the dispute.
Unemployment Likely to Be BJP’s Next Major Target
Once the House moves beyond the controversy, unemployment is expected to emerge as another key issue.
The opposition BJP is preparing to press the government over its employment record and is expected to seek a discussion through an adjournment motion.
The Congress had made a major employment commitment during the Assembly election campaign, promising to create one lakh jobs each year. The BJP now wants the government to provide a detailed account of the progress made towards that commitment.
The opposition is expected to raise questions about recruitment, vacancies and employment opportunities for young people. The government may face pressure to explain the status of its various recruitment initiatives and defend its performance in fulfilling the election promise.
‘Hindu Gujjar’ Certificate Question Awaits Government Response
The Assembly is also expected to take up a question concerning certificates issued to members of the Gujjar community.
Nalagarh MLA Hardeep Singh Baba has sought clarification on whether the state government has issued directions concerning the use of the term ‘Hindu Gujjar’ in community certificates.
The MLA has also raised the issue of whether such certification could create difficulties for Sikh members of the Gujjar community, particularly those seeking opportunities in the armed forces.
Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi is scheduled to respond to the matter during the proceedings.
Speaker’s Decision Could Set the Tone
With several contentious issues lined up, the Speaker’s handling of the Vande Mataram dispute could determine how smoothly the House functions on the third day.
The ruling party is likely to push for discussions on governance and public concerns, while the opposition is expected to use the session to question the government over employment and other commitments.
The possibility of another confrontation remains high if the disagreement over the National Song is not settled. For the government, ensuring uninterrupted legislative business will be a key challenge as the monsoon session moves ahead.
