UP Governor triggers row for stopping national anthem mid-way

Lucknow, Nov 1: Uttar Pradesh Governor Ram Naik on Saturday, Oct 31, triggered a row after he interrupted the national anthem and asked the band playing it to stop.

The incident took place soon after the swearing-in of the new ministers was over at the Raj Bhawan. As the national anthem began, governor Naik gestured that it be stopped.

Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav, who was sitting by his side tried to stop him and told him that the national anthem was underway. Naik, however, said that the 'oath of unity' needed to be taken first.

The oath was a part of the national celebrations to mark the birth anniversary of first union home minister Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.

The incident was criticized by people present there, forcing Raj Bhawan to clarify that Ram Naik had not heard the national anthem being played.

IANS