IMC budget session chaos as Cong councillor skips ‘Vande Mataram’
A meeting of the Indore Municipal Corporation turned tense on April 8, 2026, during its budget session after a dispute arose over the singing of ‘Vande Mataram’. Congress councillor Fauzia Sheikh Aleem declined to sing the song, citing her personal and religious beliefs, which drew objections from BJP councillors and led to a disruption in the House.
As the disagreement intensified, BJP members strongly opposed her stance, resulting in a commotion during the proceedings. Chairman Munnalal Yadav intervened and asked Aleem to leave the meeting. She subsequently walked out, questioning the legal requirement to sing the song and asserting her right to follow her religion.
Despite the disturbance, the session continued, and the ₹8,455 crore budget was passed by voice vote. The incident has since sparked political discussions around individual rights, religious freedom, and conduct within elected bodies.
