Samajwadi Party MLA Abu Azmi’s ‘Vande Mataram’ Remark Triggers Uproar in Maharashtra Assembly

Mumbai: A remark by Samajwadi Party MLA Abu Azmi regarding Vande Mataram sparked a political storm in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly on Wednesday. Azmi’s statement that he cannot chant Vande Mataram because he believes in one Allah led to strong objections from BJP MLAs, who demanded clarity from the opposition alliance on their stance on the issue.

The Speaker, Rahul Narwekar, attempted to restore order, but the protest continued, resulting in a 10-minute adjournment.

Azmi later clarified his statement, stating that he respects Vande Mataram, but cannot read it because his religion says he cannot bow down to anyone except Allah.

BJP’s national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla criticized Azmi’s remark, questioning the opposition alliance’s commitment to India and accusing them of having an anti-India agenda. Poonawalla raised concerns about the alliance’s track record, citing instances where they allegedly supported terrorists and questioned India’s military actions.

The BJP spokesperson called on prominent leaders like Mamata Banerjee, Mallikarjun Kharge, and Rahul Gandhi to clarify their stand on the matter.

The Vande Mataram remark has sparked a significant political storm, exposing the rift between the opposition alliance and the ruling BJP. The situation remains tense as both sides defend their positions on the matter.