Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister overturns Shivraj Chouhan's state anthem practice

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister overturns Shivraj Chouhan’s state anthem practice

Overturning a decade-long tradition set by former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, the incumbent Mohan Yadav on Thursday opted to remain seated during the state anthem played at a programme in Bhopal.

During an event organised to hand over appointment letters to Madhya Pradesh services officers, Mohan Yadav gestured for the guests present at the dias to sit down while ‘Madhya Pradesh Gaan’ was being played.

For years, it had been customary for everyone present to stand in respect during the playing of the Madhya Pradesh anthem, following the lead set by Shivraj Singh Chouhan. However, Chief Minister Yadav, seated on a chair during the anthem, signalled a break from this established practice. His gesture suggested that standing during the state anthem is not obligatory.

“The Madhya Pradesh anthem or any other song cannot be equated with the national anthem or national song, the Chief Minister said during the event.

The Madhya Pradesh anthem started and paused after Yadav’s indication, and when it resumed, participants remained seated instead of standing.

The Madhya Pradesh Gaan — “Sukh ka daata, sab ka saathi, shubh ka yeh sandesh hai; maa ki god, pitaa ka aashray, mera Madhya Pradesh hai”, (the giver of happiness, the friend of all, it is the message of auspiciousness; mother’s lap, father’s shelter is my Madhya Pradesh) is played during all government functions in the state.

On November 1, 2022, during Madhya Pradesh’s 67th Foundation Day, then Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan had declared that the state anthem should be accorded the same honor as the national anthem.

Chouhan emphasised that everyone should stand whenever the Madhya Pradesh anthem is played.

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