Kolkata, May 27: Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and leader of National Conference, Farooq Abdullah is been accused of disrespecting Indian National Anthem during Mamata Banerjee’s oath taking ceremony. Farooq, Chief of National Conference chose to speak over his cell phone when the Indian National Anthem were played during the oath taking ceremony on Friday afternoon. The entire incident is caught on camera in which Farooq, who is sitting at the front row with senior political leader is seen reluctant while talking over the phone, while National Anthem is being played on the loudspeaker.
The incident took place on Friday afternoon in Kolkata, moments before Mamata Banerjee was about to take oath as West Bengal Chief Minister for a second term. Senior political leaders like RJD Chief Lalu Prasad Yadav, AAP Convenor Arvind Kejriwal, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav, JD(U) President and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar were also seated next to Farooq Abdullah. However no statement has been issued from Farooq Abdullah’s office after todays incident. Also the video has gone viral on social media. Read Also: (Mamata Banerjee sworn in as West Bengal CM for second time)
Unfazed by the controversy, the 79-year-old leader of valley reportedly said that he respects the National Anthem. Under Article 51(a) of the Constitution, it is the duty of every citizen of India to respect its ideals and institutions, the National Flag and the National Anthem.
During the ceremony leaders also present included, Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and BJP’s Minister from Bengal Babul Supriyo, who represented the Centre. The entire opposition in the state- Left, BJP and Congress- boycotted the ceremony and criticised it, “calling it a waste of public money”.
The ceremony took place near Kolkata’s Red Road, where over 20,000 people had gathered and after Mamata Banerjee, her 41 ministers took oath in front of state Governor.
Mamata Banerjee also known as ‘didi’ today morning tweeted about a “new beginning” for the people of Bengal and congratulated all ministers and chief ministers for attending the ceremony.
Watch Video Here:
#CaughtOnCam Farooq Abdullah talking on phone during the national anthem at Mamata Banerjee’s oath taking ceremonyhttps://t.co/3kKSuQUhu5
— ANI (@ANI_news) May 27, 2016
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