Congress councillors in Indore, Fauzia Sheikh Aleem and Rubina Iqbal, have sparked controversy after openly stating that the national song Vande Mataram is against their faith and refusing to sing it during a budget discussion meeting of the Indore Municipal Corporation. The proceedings were disrupted following arguments over their reluctance to participate.
The two Congress councillors declined to join in when Vande Mataram was being sung. Fauzia Sheikh Aleem questioned the directive and asked the Chair to specify the legal provision that mandates singing Vande Mataram in the municipal body.
BJP councillors accused them of insulting national sentiment, intensifying the row. Rubina defended her stand on religious grounds, saying her faith does not allow her to sing the song, and went on to criticise both the BJP and her own party leadership. Her remarks drew strong political reactions, with demands for legal action as well as disciplinary steps within the party. Congress spokesperson KK Mishra even called for her expulsion, exposing rifts within the party. As the controversy grows, it brings into focus the complex balance between faith, law, and expressions of nationalism in India’s political space.
Watch the tense moments here..
Indore Municipal Corporation erupted in chaos during a budget session when a BJP councillor declared: "If you want to live in India, you must say 'Vande Mataram'!"
Congress councillor Fauzia Sheikh Aleem objected, saying it cannot be forced, and walked out of the house. pic.twitter.com/a1ZNsY025e
— Megh Updates 🚨™ (@MeghUpdates) April 8, 2026
What Rubina Said to Media
After the session, Rubina Iqbal spoke to the media. She said she did not sing because of her religious beliefs. According to her understanding of Islam, Vande Mataram is not allowed as it involves worship. She added that she does sing Sare Jahan Se Achha. She also criticised both the BJP and her own party, the Congress.
Iqbal said that if action is taken against her, she may choose to contest elections as an independent candidate or consider joining Asaduddin Owaisi’s party.
BJP leaders condemned the councillors’ refusal and indicated that legal action, including the filing of an FIR, is under consideration. Sources said discussions on the matter are ongoing between Mayor Pushyamitra Bhargav and Chairman Munnalal Yadav.
BJP city president Sumit Mishra invoked the role of Vande Mataram during the freedom movement, citing several leaders historically associated with the song.
The controversy also triggered reactions within the Congress. Party spokesperson KK Mishra criticised the councillors’ conduct and called for disciplinary action, including the possibility of expulsion. He also suggested that the episode may have political motivations.
