Refusal to sing Vande Mataram by Congress councillors in Indore sparks political backlash and debate over faith and nationalism.
April 9, 2026: A routine budget session at the Indore Municipal Corporation turned into a major controversy after Congress councillors Fauzia Sheikh Aleem and Rubina Iqbal refused to sing Vande Mataram. The situation escalated quickly inside the House, prompting Chairman Munnalal Yadav to ask Aleem to leave in an attempt to restore order.
Defending her stand, Rubina Iqbal said her decision was guided by religious beliefs and asserted that she would not bow to pressure. She maintained that she respects the country and participates in other patriotic expressions like Sare Jahan Se Achha. The incident also exposed divisions within the Congress, with another councillor expressing surprise and calling participation in the national song a matter of respect.
The Bharatiya Janata Party reacted strongly, with Mayor Pushyamitra Bhargav and other leaders considering legal action. BJP leaders criticised the Congress sharply, intensifying the political row. Meanwhile, Rubina Iqbal warned that any disciplinary action could backfire, hinting at contesting elections independently or aligning with Asaduddin Owaisi’s party. The controversy has now grown beyond a civic issue, fuelling a wider debate on nationalism and religious beliefs.