A video involving Uttar Pradesh Assembly Speaker Satish Mahana has surfaced on social media, triggering a significant political controversy in the state. The footage shows the Speaker leaving the salute platform while the national anthem was being played during a public event. This incident has led to serious allegations of disrespecting the national anthem, with opposition parties like the Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) raising sharp questions about the conduct of a person holding a high constitutional office.
Details of the Incident in Unnao
The incident took place on Saturday, August 22, in Puran Nagar, Unnao. Satish Mahana had arrived as the chief guest for the 46th provincial conference and seminar organized by the Uttar Pradesh Principals' Council at a local school. Upon his arrival, he was accorded a guard of honor. According to the viral video, as the national anthem (Jana Gana Mana) began to play, Mahana was seen adjusting something near his ear before stepping down from the platform and walking towards his vehicle. He left the venue while the anthem was still in progress, without waiting for its completion.
The national anthem, which typically lasts for 52 seconds, was still being played when the Speaker and his supporters decided to depart. The video captures Mahana moving forward and getting into his car, followed by several other people present at the event. This act has sparked a debate on social media regarding the dignity and protocol associated with constitutional positions.
Opposition Parties Launch Scathing Attacks
The Congress party was quick to react to the incident. Dinesh Shukla, a senior leader of the District Congress Committee, expressed strong objection and shared a post on social media. In his Facebook post, he questioned whether this act constituted an insult to the national anthem, stating that the Speaker took his protocol but didn't show the same respect to the anthem. This post has since ignited a heated discussion online, with many users sharing the video and expressing their views on the matter.
The Aam Aadmi Party also joined the criticism by sharing the video on its official channels. The party questioned the priorities of the BJP leader, stating that the Uttar Pradesh Assembly Speaker doesn't even have time to show respect to the national anthem. The AAP further asked what action the BJP would take against its leader for this alleged disrespect, noting that the entire country is watching the situation.
Organizers Issue a Clarification
As the controversy intensified, Venu Ranjan Bhadauria, the organizer of the event, issued a clarification in defense of Satish Mahana. He claimed that there was a misunderstanding regarding the location of the anthem. According to Bhadauria, the national anthem wasn't actually being played at the spot where the Speaker was receiving the guard of honor. Instead, the anthem was being played inside the main auditorium where the primary program was scheduled. He explained that the sound of the anthem from the auditorium was merely audible at the outdoor salute platform, leading to the confusion seen in the video.
Background of Satish Mahana
Satish Mahana is a prominent political figure in Uttar Pradesh, serving as the MLA from the Maharajpur assembly constituency in Kanpur. He currently holds the prestigious position of the Speaker of the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly. His presence at the 46th provincial conference of the Principals' Council was intended to be a formal engagement, but the viral video has now turned the visit into a major political flashpoint in the state.