India: FIR Filed Against Two Muslim Councillors in Indore Over Refusal to Sing ‘Vande Mataram’
India: FIR Filed Against Two Muslim Councillors in Indore Over Refusal to Sing ‘Vande Mataram’
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A political and legal controversy has intensified in India after two Muslim councillors in Indore were booked for refusing to sing the national song Vande Mataram during a municipal budget session, citing religious objections.
The incident occurred on April 8 during proceedings of the Indore Municipal Corporation, when councillors Rubina Iqbal Khan and Fauzia Sheikh Aleem declined to participate in the singing of Vande Mataram, triggering protests from members of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The disruption led to slogans inside the chamber and one councillor being asked to leave to restore order.
Police later registered a First Information Report (FIR) against the two councillors on charges related to promoting enmity and disturbing harmony.
The councillors defended their decision on religious grounds, arguing that parts of Vande Mataram conflict with Islamic beliefs. The song, written in Sanskrit, translates roughly to “I bow to thee, Mother,” and some verses personify India as a mother goddess. The councillors said such expressions could be interpreted as worship, which contradicts Islamic teachings that worship is reserved solely for God.
They also questioned whether any law mandates singing the national song and maintained that their stance does not reflect disrespect for the country, noting they participate in other patriotic expressions.
The episode has sparked a wider debate in India over the balance between respect for national symbols and constitutional protections for religious freedom.
