Vande Mataram row: Gujarat Speaker orders privilege proceedings against Congress MLA

On the last day of Gujarat's monsoon session, Speaker Shankar Chaudhary decided to refer Congress MLA Imran Khedawala to the Privilege Committee for disrespecting Vande Mataram. The incident occurred when Khedawala sat down midway through the national song's recitation, contrary to the customary standing. Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi had raised a point of order against Khedawala, citing the matter as "very serious."

Khedawala defended his action, stating it was his personal decision, and Congress leaders distanced themselves from the incident. The Speaker, citing Khedawala's oath to uphold the Constitution and national symbols, emphasized that this act was not merely personal but demonstrated a lack of respect for India's democratic institutions.

The Privileges Committee, chaired by BJP MLA Keshubhai Patel, will investigate the matter and report back to the House.