India, July 18 -- The BJP on Friday criticised the Congress for allegedly opposing the Centre's move to table a Bill that provides for punishment for insulting or obstructing the mandatory singing of Vande Mataram at official events, in the upcoming Parliament session. The ruling party said the Congress has historically shown disrespect towards the national song.

The Government has listed the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill - which seeks to give the national song Vande Mataram the same statutory protection as the national anthem Jana Gana Mana - for introduction in the Lok Sabha during the Monsoon session beginning July 20.

A bulletin issued by the Lok Sabha Secretariat said the Bill has been listed for introdu...