Indore Congress rift deepens over Vande Mataram row:Muslim corporators oppose, BJP attacks as party divisions widen further

The Congress in Indore finds itself deeply divided over the ‘Vande Mataram’ controversy, with internal differences now turning into an open rift. The issue, which began during the Indore Municipal Corporation’s budget session, has not only exposed differences within the party but widened them, as Muslim corporators and leaders have openly opposed the move, while the BJP has seized the opportunity to attack the Congress. Amid the controversy, City Congress president Chintu Chouksey took a firm position, announcing that ‘Vande Mataram’ will now be compulsory at all Congress meetings in Indore. He said those unwilling to sing it should not attend party programmes. Budget session derailed by controversy The IMC budget session on Wednesday, meant to focus on city development and civic issues, ended in chaos after Congress corporators Fauzia Sheikh Aleem and Rubina Iqbal refused to sing ‘Vande Mataram’ in the House. When asked to comply, Fauzia demanded to see the rule making it mandatory. The situation escalated quickly, with BJP corporators protesting strongly. Speaker Munnalal Yadav had to intervene and directed Fauzia to leave the House. Muslim corporators oppose, spark internal clash The refusal triggered sharp reactions within the Congress itself. On Wednesday, Rubina Iqbal defended her stand, stating that ‘Vande Mataram’ is not permitted in Islam. She said that while she respects the country, she prefers singing ‘Jana Gana Mana’ and ‘Saare Jahan Se Achha,’ and objected to what she described as attempts to impose the song. In a strongly worded response, she said she would not bow to ‘pressure or dadagiri’ and questioned why she should be forced to say something against her religious beliefs. She also made sharp remarks against her own party, saying if action is taken, she is not bound to remain in Congress and could explore other political options. Rubina soften her stance but targets Chouksey However, on Thursday, Rubina appeared to soften her stance. She said her leader is Rahul Gandhi and that she follows the party leadership, including state president Jitu Patwari. At the same time, she asserted that Chintu Chouksey has no authority to suspend her from the party. Chouksey is not only targeting me but my entire community, she said, indicating that the controversy has now taken a wider political and social dimension. Congress leaders clash publicly KK Mishra, Media advisor to MPCC chief Jitu Patwari, called the incident a ‘planned move’ and demanded Rubina’s expulsion from the party. In a sharp post, he accused her of political blackmail and said those who cannot uphold ‘rashtra dharma’ should not remain in the party. On the other hand, senior Congress minority leader Dr Aminul Khan Suri criticised the move to make ‘Vande Mataram’ compulsory, stating that patriotism cannot be imposed and such decisions go against the party’s inclusive values. Mayor flags ‘inconsistency’, seeks clarity The BJP has intensified its attack, using the controversy to corner the Congress over its position on nationalism. Mayor Pushyamitra Bhargav said that while singing ‘Vande Mataram’ may be a matter of personal choice, disrespect towards it cannot be justified. He stressed that national identity and respect for symbols associated with the country should rise above political or religious differences. He called on senior Congress leaders to clarify the party’s stand and said the issue goes beyond individuals to reflect the party’s broader position. BJP city chief invokes freedom struggle legacy Adding to the attack, BJP city president Sumit Mishra said ‘Vande Mataram’ has been a symbol of India’s freedom struggle and was sung by leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Subhas Chandra Bose, Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev, Rajguru and Ashfaqulla Khan. He alleged that Congress’ appeasement politics had historically contributed to the country’s partition and claimed that opposition to ‘Vande Mataram’ dates back to Muhammad Ali Jinnah. Mishra said any continued resistance to the song reflects an “anti-national mindset.” He also challenged state Congress president Jitu Patwari and city chief Chouksey to clarify their stand, adding that failure to act would indicate the party is following a “Muslim League-like path.” Political flashpoint ahead With sharp statements from both sides and visible divisions within the Congress, the controversy has turned into a major political flashpoint in Indore, overshadowing civic discussions and raising questions over the party’s internal unity.