Lok Sabha MPs protest over untimely National Anthem

The Lok Sabha on Monday witnessed a brief protest when the National Anthem was played before the Speaker reached the House. Realising the mistake, the National Anthem was played again soon after Speaker Om Birla took his seat.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, senior ministers and almost all MPs were present when this incident took place. The PM was seen gesturing to the Lok Sabha Secretary General before the National Anthem was played a second time.

Some Opposition MPs, including Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury and Gaurav Gogoi, protested by asking how the National Anthem was played before the Speaker arrived in the House. BSP's Danish Ali was heard asking, "who is in control here." Birla, however, underplayed the incident by saying it was a "technical snag". When some Opposition MPs protested, Birla said he will ensure an inquiry to find out how it happened.