Mumbai, April 9 (IANS) As controversy erupted over Maharashtra Congress councillor Fauzia Sheikh’s refusal to sing ‘Vande Mataram’ in Indore, Congress leader Husain Dalwai on Thursday termed the act “absolutely wrong”. He added that it is the national song and that not following it is inappropriate.

The row broke out after Congress councillors Fauzia Sheikh Alim and Rubina Iqbal Khan declined to sing ‘Vande Mataram’ during a municipal corporation budget discussion, citing Islamic beliefs.

Speaking to IANS, Husain Dalwai said, “It is absolutely wrong. These notions that have emerged among some Muslims are misguided. Certain leaders claim that reciting ‘Vande Mataram’ is not in accordance with our religion. However, everyone, including Maulana Azad, has sung ‘Vande Mataram’. People even went to jail for singing it.”

He further added, “However, asking people to sing all six stanzas, as suggested by the BJP, is also not correct. It is acceptable to sing the first two stanzas of ‘Vande Mataram’. It is the national song, and not following it is wrong. At the same time, those insisting on the full version are also wrong, and so are those who outright refuse to sing it.”

Earlier in the day, NCP(SP) MP Fauzia Khan also said that singing the national song goes “against my religious beliefs”.

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”.

Meanwhile, on February 11, Husain Dalwai had criticised the Centre’s decision to make it mandatory to play or sing the complete six-stanza version of ‘Vande Mataram’ at official events, calling the move “forceful” and contrary to earlier decisions regarding the national song’s recognition.

–IANS

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