A controversy erupted during the BJP's Independence Day flag-hoisting ceremony at Badi Chaupar in Jaipur on Saturday after an incorrect tune was played instead of the original version of the national song Vande Mataram. The incident occurred during the party's traditional Independence Day programme after Rajasthan BJP President Madan Rathore hoisted the Tricolour. Rathore later apologised publicly and accepted moral responsibility for the error.

Vande Mataram was scheduled to be played following the flag-hoisting ceremony, but an apparent mistake by the sound operator and event sound team resulted in a different tune being played through the loudspeakers. Senior BJP leaders present on the dais, including MP Manju Sharma and MLA Balmukund Acharya, were visibly uncomfortable. The organising team attempted to correct the audio, but footage of the incident had already been recorded and circulated on social media.

Following the incident, Rathore addressed the media and expressed regret on behalf of himself and the BJP. He described the episode as a technical and human error by the team responsible for the event arrangements. As the party's Rajasthan president, he accepted moral responsibility for the mistake and apologised to the people over the incident.

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Rathore stressed that respect for the national song and national anthem was paramount and that appropriate protocols must be followed during national celebrations. He also emphasised the need for organisers to exercise greater caution at events of national importance so that similar errors are not repeated. The apology came shortly after the incident at the Jaipur programme.

The BJP's Independence Day event was held at Badi Chaupar, a prominent public square in Jaipur that has traditionally hosted political and public gatherings. The location has also been associated with Independence Day and Republic Day programmes attended by political leaders, traders, workers and members of the public. The BJP has continued its traditional flag-hoisting ceremony at the venue on national occasions.

The incident briefly overshadowed the party's Independence Day programme in Jaipur, with the incorrect rendition of Vande Mataram drawing attention after footage of the event circulated. Rathore's public apology and acceptance of responsibility followed the episode, while the BJP leadership stressed the importance of observing national-event protocols carefully during future ceremonies.

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