Amid opposition walkout, Rajya Sabha gives approval to Vande Mataram bill

The Rajya Sabha passed a bill proposing jail time for disrupting Vande Mataram. Opposition MPs walked out, demanding a statement on police action against protesters. Junior home minister Nityanand Rai piloted the bill, criticizing Congress's stance on the national song. MP Sanjay Singh questioned the RSS's past refusal to hoist the tricolour. AIADMK MPs noted the practice of playing state anthems after national songs.