National
Laloo denies charge of disrespect to flag, anthem
PATNA, JAN. 26. The RJD chief, Laloo Prasad Yadav, and Bihar's Chief Minister, Rabri Devi, were today mired in a controversy for remaining seated while the national anthem was being played at the official Republic Day function here.
A section of the audience claimed that both Mr. Yadav and the Chief Minister were seen sitting. A private TV channel showed footage in which the couple were seen seated while the national anthem was played.
At a hurriedly convened news conference here tonight, both the leaders said the footage shown by two private channels was ``misplaced and out of context''. In an attempt to lend credence to their defence, the newspersons were shown footage of the official ceremony taken by the staff of the Information and Public Relations Department, in which the couple was seen standing while the flag was being unfurled and the national anthem played.
Mr. Yadav said he had attended the official ceremony despite being ``absolutely unwell''.
- PTI, UNI
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