A controversy erupted at the Indore Municipal Corporation’s budget session after two Congress women councillors, Fauzia Sheikh Aleem and Rubina Iqbal, declined to participate when the song “Vande Mataram” was sung.
The incident took place in Madhya Pradesh, where the BJP is in power under Chief Minister Mohan Yadav. BJP councillors objected strongly, calling the refusal an insult to national sentiment, and raised slogans inside the house, leading to disruption during the proceedings.
Amid the commotion, the mayor asked the two councillors to leave the session, following which they walked out.
Speaking to reporters, Rubina Iqbal said they would not yield to threats and claimed that singing “Vande Mataram” is prohibited in their Islamic belief. She explained her interpretation of the words and said they worship only Allah.
Fauzia Sheikh Aleem said they respect the national anthem as per the Constitution, but argued that no one can be compelled to sing “Vande Mataram.” Congress spokesperson K.K. Mishra, meanwhile, alleged the episode was a planned “drama” in coordination with the BJP and demanded action against those involved.
