Shivamogga: BJP MLA SN Channabasappa has once again objected to the singing of only two stanzas of Vande Mataram, this time raising the issue on stage in the presence of chief minister DK Shivakumar at a govt programme in Thirthahalli.Channabasappa had on Sept 16 walked out of a govt programme marking International Democracy Day in Shivamogga, where he was presiding over the function, after only two stanzas of Vande Mataram were sung.Saturday, shortly after two stanzas of Vande Mataram were sung at an interaction on the Kasturirangan report on Western Ghats eco-sensitive zones, followed by the state song, the MLA took the microphone and appealed to Shivakumar to allow the full song to be sung.“I’m standing here to make a request to the CM. He is doing a lot of good work, but as an attempt is made by the govt to hurt our sentiments, it has hurt us,” he said. “Your decision to have only two stanzas of Vande Mataram recited is having an impact on the people of the state. My only request is that the full Vande Mataram be recited. I have no other request. Please give an opportunity for the full Vande Mataram to be recited,” Channabasappa said.His intervention triggered a brief commotion, with some people in the audience raising slogans and asking him to move away. A few people on the stage also surrounded him and urged him to return to his seat. Channabasappa then approached Shivakumar and spoke to him briefly, following which the CM was seen patting the MLA. Channabasappa later left the programme.Reacting later, Shivakumar said the state govt would continue with the Congress’ traditional position of singing only the first two stanzas at public and official programmes. He said Channabasappa had come to do politics rather than raise a concern and that he was not willing to engage in it. “The people’s response is an answer to the MLA,” Shivakumar added.
