SRINAGAR: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday said the Jammu and Kashmir Government was bound by law to follow provisions governing the rendition of the full version of Vande Mataram at official functions, amid differences between the National Conference and Congress over the issue.
Speaking to reporters in Srinagar, Omar said the provision applied across the country and was not confined to Jammu and Kashmir, including in States ruled by the Congress.
“This is a statutory obligation,” he said, adding that official functions attended by constitutional authorities would include the national anthem and, where applicable, the national song.
Omar said the National Conference had not adopted Vande Mataram as a party position but, as part of the government, was required to comply with statutory obligations.
He said the Congress could change or repeal the provision through Parliament if it disagreed with it.
“If Congress comes to power, I pray that Congress comes to power as soon as possible and abolishes this in Parliament. Let them do it. We have no objection,” Omar said.
He also questioned the Congress’s objection to the full rendition of the song at the ongoing International Film Festival of Jammu and Kashmir, saying the issue should not be turned into a controversy.
