Prithviraj Chavan denies insulting National Anthem

MUMBAI - Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan Friday denied showing disrespect to the National Anthem by walking out when it was being played here Friday evening.

An official spokesperson of the chief minister said Chavan got up after attending a 26/11 commemorative event at the Gateway of India to attend another function elsewhere.

“He got off the dias and was walking out when the National Anthem was played. As soon as he heard it, he immediately stood at attention till the National Anthem got over and then proceeded ahead. So, there is no question of any disrespect,” the spokesperson told IANS.

However, the Shiv Sena-Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) alliance reacted sharply to the incident.

Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut and State BJP chief Sudhir Mungantiwar demanded a public apology from Chavan for the alleged disrespect shown to the National Anthem.

Television channels showed clips of Chavan, accompanied by Mumbai-South MP Milind Deora, walking off the stage with the National Anthem playing in the background.