Vande Mataram row: Fauzia Khan says singing goes against her religious beliefs

The Vande Mataram controversy deepened as NCP-SP MP Fauzia Khan said singing the national song goes against her religious beliefs. The row follows Indore councillors refusing to sing it, sparking debate on religious freedom and whether such acts should be voluntary

New Delhi: Amid the controversy over singing of ‘Vande Mataram’, NCP-SP MP Fauzia Khan on Thursday said that singing the national song goes “against my religious beliefs”.

Her reactions came a day after two Congress councillors, Fauzia Sheikh Aleem and Rubina Iqbal, refused to sing the national song during proceedings in the Indore Municipal Corporation. Aleem reportedly insisted on being shown the specific statute or law that makes singing of ‘Vande Mataram’ mandatory inside the civic body.

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Fauzia Khan told IANS: “Had I been there, I, too, would not have sung it, as it goes against my religious beliefs. I would have stood there respectfully and upheld the law.”

She emphasised that no one, particularly a person belonging to a different faith, can be compelled to sing the song, “given that our Constitution guarantees religious freedom”.

“The coercion currently being exercised runs contrary to this principle,” Khan contended.

However, she said: “Fauzia Sheikh ought to have remained standing there to demonstrate respect for both the nation and the law. If, however, she chose to walk out, I believe that was an improper course of action.”

Congress leader Udit Raj stated that singing the national song should be kept voluntary.

“‘Vande Mataram’ should not be imposed. It must not be forced upon anyone,” he said.

Defending her stance, Congress councillor Rubina Iqbal told IANS, “I have not committed any offence for which an FIR is registered. Now, if it were up to them, they might even want to punish us severely. We are followers of Islam and follow its teachings. In Islam, if something is prohibited, we cannot do it.”

However, according to Shiv Sena leader Shaina N.C., if one loves the country, he or she should not be apprehensive to sing ‘Vande Mataram’.

She said, “Understand that ‘Vande Mataram’ is a national song. And if you love your country, you must sing ‘Vande Mataram.”

Meanwhile, Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) leader Santosh Sharma called the incident an insult to national sentiment. He said, “If they (the councillors) consider India as their country, then what might be the problem in singing the national song?”