Indore, Apr 16 (PTI) The Congress’ central leadership has constituted a committee to probe into the ‘Vande Mataram’ row involving its two Indore councillors, who refused to sing the national song at an event, and issues arising out of media comments of local leaders, a party functionary said on Thursday.
He said All India Congress Committee (AICC) in-charge for Madhya Pradesh Harish Chaudhary formed the two-member panel on Wednesday and asked it to submit a report within a week to enable organisational action.
The committee was formed amid police registering a criminal case against two Congress councillors, Fauzia Sheikh Aleem and Rubina Iqbal Khan, for allegedly disturbing communal harmony after they refused to sing Vande Mataram at a conference of the Indore Municipal Corporation (IMC).
The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has stepped up its attack on the Congress over the Vande Mataram row.
Chaudhary told PTI, “The committee will probe the recent developments in Indore, including the Vande Mataram row, issues related to Congress councillors and statements made by local party leaders in media and on social media.” The panel will hear all sides before submitting its report, said the AICC functionary.
During the municipal corporation’s budget conference on April 8, Congress councillor Aleem refused to sing Vande Mataram, citing Islamic beliefs.
Another councillor, Rubina Khan, who joined the Congress after winning as an independent, supported Aleem’s stand and also refused to sing the national song.
Chief Minister Mohan Yadav had expressed displeasure over the incident and alleged the Opposition party was trying to disturb communal harmony.
He said the Congress women leaders insulted Bharat Mata by refusing to sing Vande Mataram.
Hitting back at the BJP chief minister, Madhya Pradesh Congress president Jitu Patwari asserted the national song and the Constitution were the “soul” of his party which does not need a certificate of patriotism from the saffron outfit.
He alleged the BJP gave a communal colour to the controversy as part of a conspiracy to divert attention from key issues such as deaths due to contaminated drinking water in Indore, corruption in the local administration and other basic concerns of people. PTI HWP LAL RSY
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