BJP activists file complaint against Didi for “disrespect” to national anthem

“When the Trinamool leader was speaking at a function at Four Seasons hotel, she was seated for a few seconds while singing the national anthem. –BJP MLA Atul Bhatkhalkar

Two BJP activists on Thursday submitted separate complaints to the city police, accusing West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of allegedly showing disrespect to the national anthem during her visit to Mumbai.

BJP MLA from Kandivali Atul Bhatkhalkar lodged a complaint against Mamata at Dindoshi police station demanding that an FIR be lodged against her under section 3 of the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971.

“When the Trinamool leader was speaking at a function at Four Seasons hotel, she was seated for a few seconds while singing the national anthem. She did stand up, but stopped the anthem without completing it. Both are violations of section 3 of the 1971 Act, and we have demanded that an FIR be lodged against her,” Bhatkhalkar said.

Mumbai BJP secretary Vivekananda Gupta also echoed similar allegations in his letter to Mumbai police commissioner Hemant Nagrale.

He also claimed that Mamata violated the Union Home Ministry’s order of 2015, which states that whenever the national anthem is played or sung, the audience shall stand to attention.