'Cong leaders can stand for 'Pidi' but not for national anthem'

Assam Health Minister and prominent Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday mocked Congress for objecting to stand up for National Anthem.

Speaking to ANI, the Assam Minister said, "Congress people can stand up for Pidi, but cannot stand up for National Anthem. This is not acceptable"

"Most of congress spokespersons are saying that people should not stand up for the national anthem in the movie theatres. Rahul Gandhi should come out and openly say it," said Sarma.

"It is really astonishing to see these people who clap for Pidi but they are reluctant to stand up for national anthem. I think Rahul should openly say whether he wants to respect the national anthem or not," added Sarma.

The Jaipur Municipal Corporation in Rajasthan recently issued a directive to its staffers to sing the national anthem every morning and national song every evening. The biometric system of attendance will not accept any entries after the morning anthem.

On Tuesday, the directive was implemented with Staff of the Jaipur Municipal Corporation singing the national anthem on the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.