BJP on Monday did not show up at the Central Hall in Parliament to pay floral tributes to the portrait of Sardar Vallabhai Patel, while Prime Minister, Speaker and other Union Ministers were present at the function.

Asked about the reason, a senior BJP leader admitted it was a lapse, but said BJP wants to honour Vallabhai Patel portrait later in the day, as the Central Hall is opened throughout the day.

A notice from Lok Sabha was issued on October 21, 2011 to all members which reads as follows "On the occasion of the Birth Anniversary of  Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, a function will be held on Monday, the October 31, 2011 at 1030 hours in the Central Hall, Parliament House, New Delhi where the portrait of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel is put up. Dignitaries, Members of Parliament and invitees will pay floral tributes on the occasion. Members are cordially invited."

Central Hall functions are official and at least 25-30 leader’s birthdays, whose portraits are adorn the prestigious walls, are celebrated by Lok Sabha Secretariat.