Shimla, Aug. 21 -- Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Friday accused Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLAs of disrespecting the National Anthem in the state Assembly on the opening day of the monsoon session on Friday, alleging that the Opposition created a controversy over the singing of Vande Mataram to divert attention from issues concerning paper leaks, alleged financial irregularities and corruption.

The Chief Minister's remarks came after a disruption in the House on the first day of the monsoon session over the singing of Vande Mataram. The controversy erupted after questions were raised over the sequence and conduct of the National Anthem and National Song proceedings, leading to a row between the ruling Congre...