Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut on Monday challenged Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah to recite Vande Mataram without a teleprompter, while attacking the Center over proposed legislation to make any obstruction or insult to the national song a criminal offence.
“I challenge Prime Minister Modi and Shah to read Vande Mataram without a teleprompter,” Raut told reporters outside Parliament.
His remarks came as Union Home Minister Amit Shah is preparing to introduce a bill in the Rajya Sabha to amend the Prevention of Insults to National Honor Act, 1971. The proposed legislation seeks to make any obstruction or insult to the national song Vande Mataram a criminal offense and is being inserted on the first day of the monsoon session of Parliament.
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Speaking about the proposed ‘Sansad march’ by activists affiliated with the Sarwar Janata Party (CJP), Raut alleged that the government has downplayed the size of the protest movement.
“They did not understand what was going to happen, what was happening, what would happen next. They thought they could wipe us out like insects. But no, this ‘cockroach Janata Party’ has turned up in Jantar Mantar by the thousands. And across the country, in major cities, this movement is receiving support,” he added.
Referring to the protests in Maharashtra, Raut said: “Yesterday, the biggest protests in Mumbai took place in Shivaji Park. We were all there, Uddhav Thackeray, Aditya Thackeray, along with thousands of people, children and youth. Similar protests have happened in Pune, Nagpur, and all over Maharashtra, and they are happening everywhere.”
Questioning the government’s response to the protests, he added, “What will you do? Will you put everyone who turns out a lakh behind bars? Or will you unleash the CBI on all of them? If it was in the hands of the government, it would have initiated emergency measures against every person sitting in Jantar Mantar. But that is no longer possible.”
Raut further said that if permission is not given to march to Parliament Street, the protesters should instead march towards the Enforcement Directorate headquarters and the Supreme Court.
He said: “I would say that if we are not given permission to organize a march on Parliament Street, then the march should go towards the headquarters of the Executive Directorate and the Supreme Court. These two institutions have caused great damage to the country, to the nation.”
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Regarding the Delhi High Court proceedings related to climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, Raut said the matter should be left to the judiciary and praised the protesters gathered at Jantar Mantar.
“Look, let the courts handle the judicial matters. As for the children sitting in Jantar Mantar, every child there is a leader. They do not need any leader,” he said.
His remarks came a day after the Delhi High Court refused to direct the transfer of Sonam Wangchuk from Safdarjung Hospital to a private hospital of her choice. Wangchuk’s wife has since appealed the order in court, arguing that it violates his rights to bodily autonomy, informed consent and personal liberty.
Meanwhile, activists affiliated with the CJP are preparing to march towards Parliament in protest against their demands for education reforms, even as Delhi Police puts in place strict security arrangements.
Wangchuk, who was taken to Safdarjung Hospital after a long hunger strike, said he would end his fast if the government accepts accountability for the recent failures in the education system or if MPs assure him that the issue will be taken up during the monsoon session.
