Congress Councillors Say No to Vande Mataram, House in Uproar

• Congress councillors refuse to sing Vande Mataram, House descends into chaos
• BJP calls it an insult to nationalism; FIR action under consideration
• Religious angle cited; controversy spills outside House with sharp remarks
• Congress faces internal backlash, calls for strict disciplinary action

GG News Bureau
Indore, 9th April: A routine budget session of the Indore Municipal Corporation turned into a political flashpoint after two Congress councillors refused to sing Vande Mataram, triggering uproar, sharp political reactions, and a widening ideological debate.

The controversy began when Fauzia Sheikh Aleem and Rubina Iqbal declined to participate in the singing of the national song during proceedings. Fauzia questioned the legal basis of the directive, asking the Chair to specify any law mandating its singing within the civic body.

Her objection sparked immediate protests from BJP councillors, who termed the act an insult to national sentiment. The situation escalated rapidly, with sloganeering and heated exchanges disrupting the House. Chairman Munnalal Yadav intervened and ordered Fauzia to leave in an attempt to restore order.

Outside the House, the controversy deepened as Rubina Iqbal defended her stand, citing religious beliefs. She stated that in Islam, worship is reserved for Allah alone, and interpreted Vande Mataram as conflicting with that principle. She added that patriotic songs like Sare Jahan Se Achha remain acceptable.

Iqbal also launched political attacks, alleging discrimination against Muslims and criticising her own party for treating the community as a vote bank. She warned that if expelled, they could contest independently or consider joining the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen led by Asaduddin Owaisi.

The BJP has taken a firm stand, with Mayor Pushyamitra Bhargav and Chairman Munnalal Yadav reportedly discussing legal action. City BJP president Sumit Mishra invoked the freedom movement, noting that leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Subhash Chandra Bose, Bhagat Singh, Shivaram Rajguru, Sukhdev Thapar, and Ashfaqulla Khan upheld the song during the freedom struggle.

Meanwhile, the Congress finds itself divided. Party spokesperson KK Mishra issued a strong rebuke, calling the remarks unacceptable and urging decisive action, including expulsion. He also alleged the controversy may have been politically motivated.

With tensions escalating, the row has now moved beyond the municipal chamber, evolving into a larger political and ideological confrontation in Madhya Pradesh.