Indore corporator Rubina Khan unfazed by Congress action:Says remark made in anger; not worried about expulsion, may contest independently

The controversy over the national song ‘Vande Mataram’ in Indore Municipal Corporation has now escalated into a broader debate over religion versus nationalism. On Wednesday, during the session, corporator Fauzia Sheikh Aleem refused to sing ‘Vande Mataram’. This led to an uproar in the house. Corporator Rubina Iqbal Khan supported Fauzia’s stance, citing Islamic teachings against ‘Shirk’ (associating anyone with Allah). Meanwhile, Indore Congress city president Chintu Chouksey issued a statement on Wednesday, saying Rubina should consider herself outside the party. An official order in this regard will be issued soon. What Rubina said In an exclusive conversation with Dainik Bhaskar, Rubina Iqbal Khan said that Islam allows worship only of Allah. “We learn this five times a day in the Azan. There are some religious objections regarding the meaning of ‘Vande Mataram’, which is why many Muslims avoid it.” She explained that ‘Vande’ means worship, and ‘Mataram’ means motherland. “We cannot worship the sun, moon, or land—only Allah.” When controversy increased, said ‘gave statement in anger’ Rubina further clarified her now-controversial remark, “Ek baap ki aulaad ho to bulvaakar dikhao”. She said this was said in anger and was never meant to hurt anyone. According to her, the house was extremely tense at that moment. “About 50–60 people came in front of me shouting slogans like ‘Traitor of the Nation’ and ‘Shoes on her’. When someone provokes you like this, anger is natural. That’s when I made this statement.” She emphasised that her response was entirely provoked and added, “If anyone’s feelings were hurt by my words, I have no objection to apologising. I am ready to say sorry if needed.” Bitterness with Congress – ‘Party and ticket can go to hell’ Following the controversy, Rubina strongly criticised her own party. She expressed frustration at opposition leader Chintu Chouksey, who described her statements as ‘personal opinion’, and said she does not care about party tickets. She said that during the session, when she was being called a ‘traitor,’ the party leadership should have stood with her. “Instead, Congress leaders spoke like the BJP to appease a section, which is wrong.” Wrong allegation of coming late to avoid singing Vande Mataram Rubina Iqbal Khan denied allegations that she deliberately arrived late to avoid singing ‘Vande Mataram’. She said, “Both Fauzia Sheikh Aleem and I reach the house well before time—five to ten minutes early. Whether we sing or not, we stand respectfully throughout the proceedings.” She added that during the national anthem ‘Jana Gana Mana,’ she always stands respectfully. “We fully respect the national anthem; there is no compromise there.” Rubina emphasised, “We are being unnecessarily targeted over a minor issue. We did nothing wrong, yet it has been made into an issue, which is unfair.” Whether Congress party keeps me or removes me, I will contest Assembly elections as an independent Rubina clarified that she has not discussed the matter with PCC chief Jitu Patwari. The statement from Chouksey represented only his view. She said, “I have not been informed that I will lose a ticket or be expelled. I will accept whatever the party decides. If they retain me, fine; if not, that’s fine too. I am prepared for any decision.” Rubina added that she trusts her destiny and God. “I may contest the assembly elections, and if I do, I will contest as an independent. Even if I don’t win, I have the ability to defeat the opponent, whether from Congress or BJP.” We are loyal to Hindustan Regarding earlier statements about paying tribute to Iran’s Supreme Leader before the budget session, Rubina clarified that she would never act against India in any international conflict. “God forbid if India and Iran were to face conflict, we would support India. We eat here, we are loyal to this country. We are not anti-national.” Firm on the ‘grinding lentils on chest’ statement On her previous statement about “sitting on the chest and pounding lentils,” Rubina explained that it was a response to those advising Muslims to move to Pakistan. She emphasised that her elders chose India voluntarily. She noted that the political atmosphere has changed over the past 15 years. During the tenure of Malini Gaud and Moghe, slogans like ‘Jai Shri Ram’ were never raised in the house, but now the environment is changing. Rubina added, “If this is considered a major offence, hang me. And if you want, give me BJP tickets from constituencies 2 or 4—I can show results.” Previous Controversy Earlier, during the budget discussion on Wednesday, Congress corporators Fauzia Sheikh Aleem and Rubina Iqbal had refused to sing ‘Vande Mataram’. Fauzia had demanded to see the Act making it mandatory, while Rubina said, “We don’t listen to anyone’s bullying.”