Gujarat MLA defends sitting during ‘Vande Mataram’ rendition

Congress MLA Imran Khedawala has addressed allegations of disrespecting the national song, ‘Vande Mataram’, during the Gujarat Legislative Assembly's Monsoon session. Khedawala clarified that he stood and sang respectfully during the traditional rendition of the song.

However, he chose to sit when additional stanzas were sung. Khedawala stated his decision was based on personal belief and ideological opposition to the extra lines, which he described as additions made by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He noted that he stood for the versions of the song associated with historical figures such as Mahatma Gandhi, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, and B.R. Ambedkar.

The controversy arose following accusations from State Forest and Environment Minister Pravin Mali, who characterized Khedawala’s conduct as an insult to the national song. Mali had called for clarification on whether the MLA's actions represented an individual stance or the official position of the Congress party.