Mumbai: The Maharashtra legislative assembly witnessed chaos and disruption on Wednesday, leading to its adjournment. The uproar followed a statement by Samajwadi Party MLA Abu Azmi, who declared that he would not chant 'Vande Mataram.' Azmi cited his Islamic faith as the reason, explaining that, according to Islamic principles, a Muslim can only bow before Allah and no one else. Members from the treasury benches strongly objected to Azmi's statement, leading to a series of slogans denouncing him.
The assembly was preparing to discuss a motion honoring the martyrs and freedom fighters of Marathwada Mukti Sangram on the 75th anniversary of their struggle when Azmi raised the issue of recent communal riots in Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj Nagar (Aurangabad), a part of Marathwada. In his speech, he claimed that the riots were provoked by a group of activists demanding that a Muslim youth chant 'Vande Mataram.'
Furthermore, Azmi highlighted the case of Shraddha Walkar, a resident of Vasai who was murdered by Aftab Poonawala in Delhi. He alleged that the incident was exploited by the Sakal Hindu Samaj to incite hatred against the entire Muslim community. Azmi expressed that Muslims were portrayed as anti-nationals during the "Jan Akrosh" marches held across Maharashtra's districts. He emphasized that his religious beliefs prohibited him from bowing before anyone other than Allah, including reciting 'Vande Mataram.'
Azmi's mention of 'Vande Mataram' triggered a strong backlash from the treasury benches, with members repeating the slogan "If one wants to stay in this country, they'll have to chant 'Vande Mataram'." Speaker Rahul Narwekar attempted to calm the situation, but when the members refused to comply, he adjourned the house for 10 minutes.
Upon reconvening, Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis objected to Azmi's statement, asserting that the stance of not saying 'Vande Mataram' was incorrect. Fadnavis reminded the assembly that the day's proceedings traditionally commenced with the singing of 'Vande Mataram.' With this clarification, the matter was resolved, and the house resumed its business.
Later, while speaking to the media outside the assembly, Azmi sought to provide further clarification on the issue. He clarified that he stands up when 'Vande Mataram' is played in the house, expressing respect for the song. However, he reiterated that his religious beliefs prevented him from chanting it. Azmi stressed that his refusal to say 'Vande Mataram' did not diminish his respect for the country or his patriotism, emphasizing that the Supreme Court had affirmed his right to this stance. He criticized those who traveled across the country shouting slogans, labeling them as traitors.
In a Hindi tweet, Azmi reiterated that his forefathers had sacrificed their lives for the country and considered themselves part of India, not Pakistan. He stated that Islam taught him to bow only before the creator of the universe, and not reciting 'Vande Mataram' did not diminish his respect for the country or his patriotism. He concluded by asserting that he and fellow Muslims were as much a part of the country as anyone else.
Azmi's party, SP is a part of the Opposition alliance I.N.D.I.A which consists of 26 different parties that joined hands against the BJP.
