Two Congress councillors in Madhya Pradesh’s Indore have been booked after they allegedly refused to sing the patriotic song Vande Mataram during a municipal corporation budget session last week, triggering a political and legal controversy.
FIR Filed After BJP Complaint
Police said the case was registered after complaints from Bharatiya Janata Party councillors, who accused the two women representatives of creating a rift during the proceedings of the Indore Municipal Corporation.
According to officials, the FIR has been filed under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita related to promoting enmity between different groups on religious grounds and acts that could disturb public harmony.
Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police Ram Snehi Mishra said councillors Rubina Iqbal Khan and Fauzia Sheikh Aleem allegedly refused to participate in singing Vande Mataram, which led to tension inside the House.
What Happened Inside the House
The incident took place on April 8 during the civic body’s budget session when members were asked to sing the national patriotic song.
Councillor Fauzia Sheikh Aleem questioned whether any rule required singing it and later walked out of the session. Another councillor, Rubina Iqbal Khan, reportedly said her religious beliefs did not allow her to recite the song.
Their statements triggered protests from BJP members present in the House, who reportedly raised slogans saying, “If you live in India, you will have to say Vande Mataram.”
Khan later apologised for her “provocative” remarks, according to reports.
Police Say Harmony Was Affected
Officials said both councillors were questioned for two days before the FIR was registered. Assistant Commissioner of Police Vinod Dixit said the councillors cited religious reasons for their actions during questioning.
“We told them they were elected to a constitutional post and such decisions should not be influenced by personal religious compulsions,” he was quoted as saying.
Police also stated that the incident created tension in the civic body and affected social harmony in the area.
Political Reaction and BJP Criticism
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav called the incident “unfortunate” and said it reflected poorly on Congress representatives.
He also questioned senior Congress leaders, including state president Jitu Patwari and MP leader Rahul Gandhi, asking them to explain whether such behaviour was being encouraged.
Yadav said that national leaders should respect patriotic sentiments and accused the opposition of “double standards” on issues related to national pride.
Background of the Vande Mataram Debate
The controversy comes amid ongoing political debate around the song Vande Mataram, written by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee in 1875 during India’s freedom movement.
The Union Home Ministry had earlier issued a directive stating that all six stanzas of the song should be sung when performed along with the national anthem Jana Gana Mana. Historically, only the first two stanzas have been widely used in official functions.
The song has long been politically sensitive, with earlier debates on its verses and usage in public life.
Case Under Investigation
Police said the matter is still under investigation and further legal steps will depend on the findings. Officials added that statements from both councillors and witnesses are being examined to determine whether the incident qualifies as a legal violation or a procedural dispute within the civic body.
