row over 'Vande Mataram'

municipal corporations in Meerut

LUCKNOW: Amid the, Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath today hit out at those refusing to sing the national song saying it reflected their "narrow-mindedness".The UP CM was speaking at the book release function of 'Governer's Guide' and observed that instead of development, we are discussing such issues in the 21st century."We are aiming for progress in the 21st century, but there is a debate over whether or not we should sing the National Anthem and the National Song ," the UP CM said. "This is a matter of concern," he added."We will have to find a way out to overcome this narrow mindedness," Adityanath said.His remarks came against the backdrop of Samajwadi Party corporators protesting a proposal to make singing of the national song compulsory at commencement of proceedings of a meeting of Allahabad municipal corporation.The recent incident came days afterand Varanasi too witnessed similar ruckus over the issue.Recalling the 150th anniversary functions of the Allahabad High Court, the chief minister said it had commenced with the rendition of 'Vande Matram'."It was such a good sight ... it was a grand function, a historical one. The Prime Minister of the country was present at the concluding function. The Chief Justice of India and the Governor of the state were also present. The function itself started with the national song," the chief minister noted.