Amid opposition walkout, Rajya Sabha gives approval to Vande Mataram bill
The Rajya Sabha passed a bill criminalizing insults to the national song 'Vande Mataram' amid a walkout by opposition parties. The opposition protested the government's handling of NEET paper leak demonstrations, leading to a heated parliamentary session.
Why it matters
The event underscores deep political polarization in India and the use of legislative power to enforce nationalistic symbols.
NEW DELHI: Rajya Sabha on Wednesday passed a bill proposing up to three-year jail term and/or fine for anyone preventing or disturbing the rendition of 'Vande Mataram', even as the opposition benches remained empty in view of almost all opposition MPs staging a walkout.The opposition parties - which included Congress, TMC, DMK, RJD Left, Sena UBT - were pressing their demand for home minister Amit Shah to make a statement on police action against NEET paper leak protesters. Angry MPs stood up and raised slogans.
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