UP Assembly Speaker Faces Political Storm Over Alleged Departure During National Anthem; Probe Demanded

Politics Erupts Over UP Assembly Speaker Leaving Stage During National Anthem; Probe Demanded

Politics in Uttar Pradesh has heated up following a viral video that allegedly shows the state's Assembly Speaker, Satis Mahana, leaving the stage during the national anthem at a program in Unnao. The opposition, particularly the Congress party, has demanded a fair and transparent investigation into the matter.

The incident occurred on Saturday during a principals' council event in Unnao. The viral video depicts Satis Mahana walking away from the stage while the national anthem was being played. After the video surfaced, Congress leaders strongly objected, terming the act an insult to the national anthem.

Congress Demands Investigation

In Balrampur, on Monday, party office bearers and workers, led by District Congress Committee President Shivlal Kori, approached the Nagar Kotwali police station. They submitted a written complaint demanding an impartial and transparent inquiry into the incident.

The complaint letter requested a thorough investigation into the authenticity and factual accuracy of the viral video. The Congress party also called for the preservation of CCTV footage and other digital evidence related to the incident, along with recording statements from individuals involved.

Furthermore, they appealed for the registration of an FIR and necessary legal action as per rules if any unlawful act is proven during the investigation. A large number of Congress office bearers and workers, including AICC member and former Block Pramukh Raj Bahadur Yadav, former District President Anuj Kumar Singh, Markandey Mishra, Awadhesh Singh, Vijay Upadhyay, Santosh Kumar Pandey, Rajendra Dwivedi, and Siaram Pradhan, were present at Nagar Kotwali during this time.

Speaker's Response

Responding to the controversy, Satis Mahana stated that the national anthem was not being played at the specific location where he was receiving a Guard of Honour. He clarified that the anthem was playing at the event venue but not in his immediate vicinity. He also claimed that, as per protocol, the national anthem is not played during a Guard of Honour ceremony for a dignitary.

This incident comes at a time when political parties frequently target each other over respect for national songs and symbols. Further investigation and the evidence obtained in this case are likely to fuel more political discussions.