Bhubaneswar, Dec. 9 -- The Odisha Assembly on Tuesday witnessed a mix of support and protest as the Opposition BJD and Congress backed a resolution for statewide celebration of the national song Vande Mataram, yet staged a walkout during its recitation.
Odia Language, Literature and Culture Minister Suryabanshi Suraj presented the resolution on the concluding day of the winter session, which both parties supported.
However, once the resolution was passed and the song began, members of the BJD and Congress walked out of the House.
Later, BJD Deputy Legislature Party Leader Prasanna Acharya and Congress Legislature Party Leader Ramachandra Kadam clarified their stance.
They reiterated their respect for Vande Mataram and the Constitution, ...