Standoff between the ruling Congress and the Opposition over the National Anthem and National Song ended with Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania reiterating the House’s established practice. (PTI)The Himachal Pradesh Assembly on Monday again witnessed heated exchanges, sloganeering and a walkout by the BJP MLAs even as the standoff between the ruling Congress and the Opposition over the National Anthem and National Song ended with Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania reiterating the House’s established practice.Pathania ruled that the House proceedings would commence with the National Anthem, Jana Gana Mana, and conclude with National Song, Vande Mataram. He said the full version of the National Song, comprising all six stanzas, would be rendered on the concluding day of the session.“I had said this on the first day that the National Song will be rendered at the last and in full, with all six stanzas,” the Speaker said.He said the provision of National Anthem is in the Constitution and the National Song was added in 1950. “It is not a particular party which sings the national song; everyone sings it,” said Pathania. He said till recently there was no provision of punishment for insulting the National Anthem or the Song.“Now what will be construed as insult has been defined in the Amending Act 2026 by way of imprisonment and fine or both,” he added.The Speaker further said that on July 9, a circular by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs was received with instructions. It was addressed to the Chief Secretaries and administrators of States and Union Territories and secretaries of Central ministries and departments, laying down existing orders relating to the singing and playing of the National Anthem and Song. However, he added, the executive instructions and the new legislation did not alter the established procedure of the Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly.“Vidhan Sabhas have the right to decide when to play the National Anthem and the Song,” he said.Story continues below this adHe further added the amendment was made on July 10, so a January notification by the Centre should not be binding on the Vidhan Sabha, which is an independent body.Pathania was responding to Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur.The Speaker also rejected the Opposition’s demand for immediate release of the video recording of the House proceedings of August 21, when the controversy first erupted. He said the Assembly Secretariat had received an application from Opposition leaders seeking the footage and that it was under consideration. Pathania said he had examined the recording and would take a decision on the application shortly.The demand for the footage stems from allegations by the ruling Congress that some BJP members had shown disrespect to the National Anthem while seeking that Vande Mataram be sung immediately afterwards. The BJP has denied the allegation and maintained that its members stood respectfully during the National Anthem.Story continues below this adThakur, BJP MLA Vipin Singh Parmar and other Opposition legislators expressed dissatisfaction with the Speaker’s response and reiterated their demand for the footage. BJP members raised slogans in the House and later staged a walkout during Question Hour, returning shortly before it concluded.Parliamentary Affairs Minister Harshwardhan Chauhan accused the Opposition of using the issue as a pretext to walk out, saying the Speaker had already clarified the House procedure.Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri said the recent amendment only required people to remain attentive when the National Song was played. He maintained that the Speaker’s decision was paramount within the Assembly and that there was no convention of playing video recordings in the House.Earlier, before the House resumed at 2 pm, Opposition members led by Thakur staged a protest inside the Vidhan Sabha premises, carrying suitcases on their heads and raising slogans against the government.Saurabh Parashar is an Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, primarily responsible for the publication’s coverage of Himachal Pradesh. He is a seasoned journalist with over 17 years of experience in print media, specializing in crime, legal affairs, and investigative reporting. Professional Background Education: He holds a Master’s degree in Mass Communication from Guru Jambheshwar University of Science & Technology (Hisar) and a Law degree from Himachal Pradesh University (HPU), Shimla. This legal background significantly informs his reporting on complex judicial and administrative matters. Career Path: Before joining The Indian Express in 2017, he spent 12 years with The Times of India. Core Beats: His primary focus is the socio-political landscape of the hill state, with a specific emphasis on the environment, forest conservation, drug menace (specifically "Chitta"), affairs related to tribal and archaeology and the unique challenges of governance in high-altitude regions. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025) His recent reporting highlights the critical intersection of policy, law, and social safety in Himachal Pradesh: 1. "Himachal’s battle against Chitta: Why the border areas are most vulnerable" (Late 2025): An investigative look at the transit routes from Punjab and the impact on local youth. 2. "Shimla ropeway clears key hurdle as 820 trees face the axe :According to the Forest Survey of India’s 2021 assessment, 47.21 percent of Shimla’s 5,131 sq km geographical area is under forest cover (Nov 17, 2025). 3. "Himachal to handover 2.7427 ha of non-forest land for Shimla Ropeway: Given the land’s non-forest nature, RTDC and the state will not require permission from MoEFCC" (Nov 18, 2025) 4. "How the centuries-old Jodidara tradition is fading in Himachal’s Trans-Giri region: Jodidara: a form of fraternal polyandry—has long been part of Hatti tribal culture in the Trans-Giri region of Himachal Pradesh and adjoining Uttarakhand. It is believed to have evolved to prevent division of ancestral land and maintain unity among brothers in the harsh, mountainous terrain" (Aug 18, 2025) Legal & Agricultural Affairs "Kisan Sabha hails SC’s setting aside Himachal HC order to remove orchards from forest land" (Dec 18, 2025): Covering a major Supreme Court victory for farmers, where a High Court order to remove fruit-bearing apple orchards was overturned. "Himachal Cabinet nod to new tourism policy; focus on home-stays in tribal areas" (Dec 11, 2025): Detailing the legislative push to decentralize tourism and bring economic benefits to Lahaul-Spiti and Kinnaur. 3. Governance & Environment "Forest rights and development: Why Himachal is seeking more leeway from Centre" (Dec 19, 2025): Reporting on the legal hurdles faced by the state in infrastructure projects due to the Forest Conservation Act. "Cloudbursts and resilience: How Himachal’s remote villages are building back better" (Nov 2025): Following up on the long-term rehabilitation efforts after monsoon-related disasters. Crime especially cyber crimes, crypto currency etc: crypto currency: "Agents in uniform, motivational speeches, lavish parties: How a Himachal crypto con went unnoticed:A serial conman, a ‘Nelson Mandela Nobel Peace Award winner', and retired policemen got together to pull off a Rs 1,740-crore fraud" (Nov 10, 2023) Signature Beats Saurabh is recognized for his tenacious reporting on the state's drug epidemic. His deep familiarity with the topography and tribal culture of Himachal allows him to report from remote locations like Spiti, Pangi, Shillai, which are often overlooked by national media. His legal expertise makes him a primary choice for covering the Himachal Pradesh High Court on issues ranging from local body elections to environmental PILs. X (Twitter): @saurabh_prashar . ... Read MoreStay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on InstagramTags:chandigarh