Maharashtra Samajwadi Party MLA Abu Azmi said Muslims do not oppose Vande Mataram, but practicing Muslims cannot worship or bow before anyone except Allah due to religious beliefs.
Speaking on the issue, Azmi said his party does not stop anyone from singing Vande Mataram, and many Muslims also recite it. However, he stressed that devout Muslims believe worship should be directed only towards Allah.
“We do not oppose Vande Mataram. Many Muslims recite it, and we never stop anyone. But for a religious Muslim, worshipping or bowing before anyone other than Allah is not permitted,” Azmi said.
He added that during sessions of the Assembly, he stands respectfully when Vande Mataram is played but does not sing it.
“Vande Mataram is played in the Assembly, and we do not protest. We stand respectfully, but we do not recite it. We will worship only Allah,” he said.
Abu Azmi Alleges Muslims Being ‘Targeted’
Commenting on restrictions on offering namaz on roads, especially after recent actions in some states, Azmi alleged that Muslims were being unfairly targeted.
According to him, people sometimes pray outside mosques only when space inside becomes insufficient, and not by choice.
“When mosques become full, people are forced to pray outside for a short time. It is not done happily, but due to lack of space,” he said.
Azmi claimed that in states ruled by the BJP, authorities are increasingly preventing prayers outside mosques.
“Wherever BJP governments are in power, Muslims are not being allowed to offer namaz outside mosques. But followers of other religions organise large events on roads for days, and Muslims have never opposed them,” he added.
‘Muslims Are Being Politically Targeted’
The SP MLA further alleged that Muslims are being singled out for political reasons.
“People from other religions hold programmes on roads, and we welcome them and even offer water. But Muslims are being deliberately targeted to send a message to the majority community that action against Muslims will increase vote banks,” Azmi said.
