Just ugly politics: Activists slam both sides as Vande Mataram row heats up

STIRRING CONTROVERSY | SP legislator’s opposition to the national song and BJP minister’s retaliation unnecessary provocation, assert activists; feel actions are politically-motivated

- Dhairya Gajara

A fresh controversy has erupted in Maharashtra amid preparations to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the patriotic song Vande Mataram.

The uproar began with the Samajwadi Party MLA Abu Asim Azmi's assertion that he would not recite the song, claiming it is against the Islamic tenets. The statement drew swift condemnation from ruling party leaders and, in turn, fuelled sharp criticism from the Muslim activists and community members, who decried the MLA's “unnecessary provocation” and a minister's retaliation.

This was not the first time that Azmi made such a statement. He had objected to chanting Vande Mataram during a Aurangabad rally in 2023. Recently, he reignited the debate, arguing that mandating singing of Vande Mataram was not right as everyone's religious beliefs were different. “Islam gives a lot of importance to respecting mothers, but it does not allow prostrating before them”, he said.