NAGPUR: Questions are being raised over the Nagpur Municipal Corporation’s (NMC) arrangements after only two stanzas of ‘Vande Mataram’ were reportedly sung at the civic body’s General Body meeting held on Thursday.
The national song was sung before the start of the General Body meeting. However, as has been the practice in previous civic meetings, only two stanzas were reportedly rendered.
The development has raised questions over the NMC administration’s preparedness and compliance with directions calling for the full rendition of ‘Vande Mataram’ at government and official functions.
Directions Allegedly Not Followed
Despite the reported instructions for the complete rendition of ‘Vande Mataram’ at official programmes, the song was once again limited to two stanzas at the NMC meeting.
The incident has put the spotlight on the civic administration, with questions being raised over why the prescribed protocol was not followed at an official municipal gathering.
Political Debate Over ‘Vande Mataram’ Intensifies
The controversy comes amid a political debate over the singing of ‘Vande Mataram’. Recently, ruling party leaders had strongly criticised Sonia Gandhi over her reported partial rendition of the national song.
The latest incident at the BJP-ruled Nagpur Municipal Corporation, however, has provided political opponents with an opportunity to question the administration’s own adherence to the same protocol.
The issue has triggered a pointed question: If complete rendition of ‘Vande Mataram’ is being insisted upon at official events, why was the same standard reportedly not followed at the NMC General Body meeting?
The NMC administration’s response on why only two stanzas were sung and who was responsible for ensuring compliance with the directions is awaited.
