Protocol Lapse in Thane as Wrong Vande Mataram Track Plays at Eknath Shinde Event

A protocol lapse occurred during an official government function in Thane, Maharashtra, attended by Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, after an incorrect audio track was played over the venue speakers instead of the official national song, Vande Mataram.

The event had been scheduled to include the formal playback of the official national song. However, an operational error resulted in a film track sung by Lata Mangeshkar being broadcast across the assembly instead.

Despite a visible shift in expression from Shinde upon hearing the wrong track, attendees and dignitaries present on the stage maintained silence and stood at attention for nearly four minutes until the song concluded. Rather than interrupting the audio sequence, those on the dais and in the audience chose to preserve the decorum of the gathering throughout the entire playback.

Following the conclusion of the track, Deputy Chief Minister Shinde addressed the stage directly to offer a public apology for the incident. Calling out the operational error, Shinde instructed organizers to adhere strictly to authorized standards going forward.

"I want to say that the Vande Mataram played was not the one approved by Parliament. It was a song. The organizers must be cautious in the future. The one approved in Parliament must be played henceforth," Shinde stated.

Shinde further emphasized the necessity of preserving the sanctity of official protocols at state gatherings and formally directed officials to remain vigilant so that similar administrative mistakes are not repeated at future events.

Video footage documenting the four-minute standoff subsequently circulated across social media platforms. The incident has triggered wider discussions and political debate concerning event management procedures and audio oversight during official state functions.