The Lok Sabha proceedings opened with Vande Mataram on Thursday, marking a first for Parliament, as the Monsoon Session concluded amid continued political tensions and disruptions. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi and other members were present in the House when the National Song was played.

Six stanzas of Vande Mataram were played at the start of the proceedings before the Lok Sabha was adjourned sine die, formally bringing the Monsoon Session to an end. The Rajya Sabha also concluded its proceedings with the National Song, marking the close of the session in both Houses.

The development came days after President Droupadi Murmu gave her assent to legislation providing legal protection to Vande Mataram. Under the new law, intentionally disrupting or preventing the singing of the National Song has been made a punishable offence, giving it a legal status similar to that of the National Anthem. The government had also previously issued protocols governing its rendition at official events.

Also Read: Vande Mataram Gets Same Legal Protection As National Anthem After President Murmu’s Assent

According to an order issued by the Union Home Ministry on January 28, six stanzas of Vande Mataram are prescribed for occasions including the arrival of the President, the unfurling of the national flag and addresses by governors. The latest rendition in Parliament therefore came amid the implementation of the government's newly established protocols surrounding the National Song.

The final day of the Monsoon Session was also marked by political confrontation. The Lok Sabha was adjourned sine die following repeated disruptions and heated exchanges between the government and Opposition. Speaker Om Birla did not deliver the customary valedictory address highlighting the House's performance and productivity during the session.

The session, which began on July 20, witnessed frequent disruptions over issues including the alleged police crackdown on student protesters during the NEET paper leak agitation and the Ram Mandir donation theft case. On Wednesday, Home Minister Amit Shah said he was ready to respond to Opposition questions and urged the Speaker to consult Opposition parties on allocating time for a discussion on the students' issue. On the final day, rival protests by the BJP and Opposition parties at Makar Dwar in the Parliament complex further reflected the political divisions that dominated the session.

Also Read: Vande Mataram to be Sung at Red Fort Before National Anthem, In A First