Jaipur, Aug 15 — A controversy erupted during the BJP's Independence Day flag-hoisting ceremony at Badi Chaupar in Jaipur after an incorrect tune was played instead of the original version of the national song Vande Mataram.
Following the incident, Rajasthan BJP President Madan Rathore publicly apologised and accepted moral responsibility for the error.
The incident took place on the morning of August 15 during the BJP's traditional Independence Day programme at Badi Chaupar. After Madan Rathore hoisted the Tricolour from the main stage, Vande Mataram was scheduled to be played as part of the ceremony.
However, due to an apparent error by the sound operator and event sound team, a different tune was played through the loudspeakers instead of the authentic version of Vande Mataram.
Senior leaders present on the dais, including MP Manju Sharma and MLA Balmukund Acharya, were visibly uncomfortable over the incident. The organising team immediately attempted to correct the audio, but footage of the episode had already been recorded and subsequently circulated widely on social media.
Following the incident, Madan Rathore spoke to the media and expressed regret on behalf of himself and the party. He described the incident as a technical and human error by the team responsible for the event arrangements and said he accepted moral responsibility as the party's state president.
Rathore emphasised that respect for the national song and national anthem is paramount and publicly apologized to the people for the mistake. He also stressed that special care must be taken to follow the prescribed protocols during national festivals and that such errors should not occur at events of national importance.
Jaipur's Badi Chaupar has long been associated with the city's political and public life. The open square has traditionally witnessed Independence Day and Republic Day celebrations attended by political leaders, traders, workers and ordinary citizens.
The BJP has continued its traditional flag-hoisting programme at Badi Chaupar on national occasions, making the location an important part of the party's public celebrations in Jaipur.