Virbhadra Singh says "Bharat Mata Ki Jai..." inside Himachal Assembly

SHIMLA: Issue of chanting “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” may have created a political storm in the country but in Himachal Pradesh there is no such controversy as six time Congress chief minister Virbhadra Singh has surprised opposing BJP by raising the slogan inside the assembly. While entire ruling Congress on Thursday was chanting “Bharat Mata Ki jai…” opposition legislators for a while were caught by surprise but later they too joined the chorus.

Recently, Maharshtra assembly on Monday had witnessed noisy scenes on the issue of “Bharat Mata Ki jai” following the statement of BJP Chief Minister Devendera Fadnavis making a controversial statement, but in Himachal Pradesh Congress legislators have no problem with the slogan.

Immediately after the national song, before Speaker BBL Butail announced to adjourn the house sine die, Virbhadra Singh raised the slogans of “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” and “Himachal Pradesh Zindabad.” While opposition BJP members were surprised for a while, it was ruling Congress legislators who joined Virbhadra Singh in chorus after which “Bharat Mata Ki jai” echoed inside the state assembly for a while. Later, BJP members too raised the slogan to mark the conclusion of month long budget session on a happy note.

At a time when the entire country is witnessing a political storm on the issue of chanting “Bharat Mata Ki Jai…” the gesture of Virbhadra Singh shows that slogan does not belong to a particular party and it is the right of every Indian to chant it at his own will, quipped a Congress leader outside the state assembly.

Interacting with media persons outside the state assembly, Virbhadra Singh said there is no controversy on saying Bharat Mata Ki jai as it is duty of every Indian irrespective of region, religion or community.

“I am a nationalist. Today was not the first time when I said this but I am saying Bharat Mata Ki Jai and Himachal Pradesh Ki Jai…since I had joined the politics. There should be no politics on this issue,” he added.

Defending the increase in the salary of legislators, Virbhadra Singh said it was required. He said that soon the salary and allowances of employees too would be increased.