IMC budget session disrupted over singing of Vande Mataram

Indore: Indore Municipal Corporation passed its Rs 8,455 crore budget by a majority on Wednesday, but the session was marked by significant disruption after Congress corporator Fauzia Sheikh Aleem refused to sing ‘Vande Mataram', triggering a sharp reaction from the BJP camp.BJP corporatorsimmediately raised slogans near the Speaker's podium, bringing proceedings to a standstill for some time. Speaker Munnalal Yadav was forced to intervene, eventually directing Fauzia to leave the House.Before stepping out, Fauzia challenged the Speaker to show her the law that makes singing ‘Vande Mataram' compulsory. "What act makes it mandatory?" she asked. She also cited her faith as her reason for not participating. "Our religion, Islam, does not permit us to sing ‘Vande Mataram' in this manner. No one can force us to do so. The Constitution gives us this freedom," she said. Shortly after, she left the House on her own.Congress leader of opposition Chintu Choukse sought to defuse the situation, stating that singing ‘Vande Mataram' was a matter of personal choice. He was careful to add, however, that the Congress party remained committed to respecting both the national anthem and the national song. He also said that the state party president had been informed of the developments.