Indore (Madhya Pradesh): A day after Congress councillors Fauzia Sheikh Alim and Rubina Iqbal refused to sing the national song ‘Vande Mataram’ at Indore Municipal Corporation, the political-sphere is in chaos.
Political leaders from both BJP and Congress are reacting strongly to the incident. BJP state president Hemant Khandelwal called it ‘an insult to martyrs,’ while Mayor Pushyamitra Bhargav said the Congress party should issue notices to the councillors involved.
The row continues to spark debate ahead of municipal proceedings.
What actually happened?
During the budget discussion in Indore Municipal Corporation on Wednesday, Congress councillors Fauzia Sheikh Alim and Rubina Iqbal refused to sing the national song ‘Vande Mataram’.
Fauzia asked the chair to show any rule making it mandatory, which angered BJP councillors.
To manage the situation, Chairperson Munnalal Yadav asked Fauzia to leave the house. Rubina told the media after the session, “We don’t accept anyone’s bullying.”
BJP councillors said an FIR may be filed, while Indore Congress has proposed Rubina’s expulsion to the state committee.
Regarding the matter Rubina, said that in Islam, singing ‘Vande Mataram’ is prohibited. She added, “We sing the national anthem and other patriotic songs. We respect the country, but we won’t follow forced diktats.”
The incident has triggered political tensions in the city ahead of municipal proceedings.
MiC speaker seeks action against Cong corporator
A major political controversy has erupted in the Indore Municipal Corporation (IMC) after MiC speaker Munnalal Yadav formally wrote to the divisional commissioner seeking strict action against Congress corporator Faujia Sheikh Aleem for allegedly disrespecting the national song Vande Mataram during a recent council session.
In his communication, Yadav emphasised that such behaviour has hurt the sentiments of fellow corporators and citizens. He has demanded a detailed inquiry into the matter and urged authorities to take appropriate legal and disciplinary action. The letter also recommends considering registering an FIR against the corporator.
Copies of the complaint have been forwarded to district collector Shivam Verma and Police Commissioner Santosh Singh to ensure prompt action in accordance with the rules. The issue has sparked sharp political reactions in the city, with calls for maintaining decorum and respect during official proceedings.
The controversy is likely to intensify further as administrative authorities review the complaint and decide on the next course of action.
CONGRESS LEADERS REACT
Congress spokesperson KK Mishra said, "Those who cannot uphold national duty and refuse to sing Vande Mataram should ship out or settle in Pakistan." He also alleged that the corporator s actions were part of a political game played in collusion with the BJP.
In contrast, Dr Suri opposed making the song mandatory, stating, Respecting Vande Mataram is essential, but making it compulsory is not right.
Former minister Sajjan Singh Verma called for a measured approach, saying, Any action must follow natural justice and party constitution. The corporator should first be issued a notice, and her explanation must be sought before any decision is taken. He added that singing Vande Mataram has been part of Congress tradition since the freedom struggle.
Meanwhile, Congress Sevadal president Mukesh Yadav alleged political motives, stating, This controversy is being amplified at the behest of BJP leaders to divert attention from other issues. He emphasised that Congress events traditionally include both the national anthem and the national song.
Former NCP (SP) Fauzia Khan supports Sheikh
Reacting to the incident, former NCP (SP) MP Fauzia Khan said, "Had I been there, I, too, would not have sung it, as it goes against my religious beliefs. I would have stood there respectfully and upheld the law; however, no one - particularly a person belonging to a different faith - can be compelled to do so, given that our Constitution guarantees religious freedom. The coercion currently being exercised runs contrary to this principle; nevertheless, Fauzia Shaikh ought to have remained standing there to demonstrate respect for both the nation and the law. If, however, she chose to walk out, I believe that was an improper course of action"
