J&K CM Omar Abdullah Says Law Will Guide Vande Mataram Conduct; PDP Calls It Unfortunate
Omar Abdullah says he will follow the law on Vande Mataram after Congress leaders questioned NC members standing for all stanzas at a Srinagar event; the PDP called his position unfortunate.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has said he will abide by the law on the playing of Vande Mataram, a remark that has drawn a sharp response from the opposition People's Democratic Party (PDP).
The Chief Minister's statement came after senior Congress leaders raised questions about him and National Conference party leaders who stood for all stanzas of the song during its rendition at a ceremony held on September 7 in Srinagar.
The PDP described the Chief Minister's position as unfortunate, signalling a fresh political flashpoint over the national song in the Union Territory.
The exchange centres on the conduct of National Conference leaders at the Srinagar ceremony, where those present stood through the complete rendition. Congress leaders subsequently questioned that stance, prompting the Chief Minister's response that the law would be his guide.
With the PDP weighing in against the Chief Minister, the episode has become the latest point of contention in Jammu and Kashmir's political landscape.