Bhopal: The Nath government has taken a U-turn in its decision to stop reciting of Vande Mataram on the first day of every month by government employees at Mantralaya. Chief Minister Kamal Nath on Thursday decided to start ‘Vande Mataram’ in a new form.
The decision to stop recitation of national song had attracted nationwide protest. The BJP had also decided to raise this issue at national level. BJP national president Amit Shah even tried to involve Rahul Gandhi in this issue. Following pressure from party high command, Nath issued the orders.
As per the new form, police band on the first day of every month will start from Shaurya Smarak and reach Vallabh Bhawan at 10.45 am. People will also accompany the band. Government officers, employees and public would also join the band on its reaching Vallabh Bhawan, where they will recite Vande Mataram followed by National Anthem.
People would also be encouraged to sing the National Song. The Chief Minister and his cabinet colleagues would also take part in this event. The recitation of Vande Mataram and Jan Gan Man would take place at the divisional and district headquarters too on the first day of every month.
Former chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has termed the decision of the government as victory of people of the state. He said the Nath government succumbed to the patriotism of people.
Chouhan said the BJP would continue opposing such anti-people decisions of the government. Chouhan further said that he would reach Mantralaya on January 7 with the BJP legislators and public as decided earlier and sing Vande Mataram.
Chouhan said Nath should tell us whether it was his decision to stop ‘Vande Mataram’ or it was intention of Rahul Gandhi. Meanwhile, Congress media coordinator Narendra Saluja said people would take part in recitation of National Song.
