During a visit to Bhind, Madhya Pradesh BJP state president Hemant Khandelwal strongly criticized a controversy involving a Congress councillor from Indore who reportedly refused to participate in the singing of Vande Mataram. His remarks have sparked a fresh political debate over nationalism, religious beliefs, and public responsibilities.

Criticism Over Refusal to Sing Vande Mataram

Speaking to the media, Khandelwal said that refusing to participate in Vande Mataram is not merely a political act but reflects a lack of respect for the nation and its freedom fighters. Referring to the councillor, Fauzia Sheikh Aleem, he alleged that declining to sing the national song on religious grounds amounts to disrespecting the sacrifices made during India’s independence movement.

He emphasized that more than 75 years after independence, such incidents raise questions about the commitment of certain political groups toward national values. According to him, Vande Mataram is not just a song but a symbol of the country’s unity and struggle for freedom.

Nation First, Religion Secondary

Khandelwal reiterated that the nation must always come before religion. He stated that while India respects all religions and traditions, national symbols and expressions of patriotism deserve equal respect from every citizen. He added that honoring such symbols is essential to maintaining unity and collective identity.

He also pointed out that the Government of India has been organizing events across the country to mark the legacy of Vande Mataram, which has been part of the nation’s cultural and historical consciousness for over a century.

Expectation of Action from Congress

Taking a political swipe, Khandelwal said that the Congress party, which often describes itself as nationalist, should take action against its councillor. He expressed hope that the party leadership would respond appropriately to the incident.

Avoiding Questions on Local Political Tensions

During the interaction, Khandelwal was also asked about recent tensions between elected representatives and administrative officials in Bhind. Incidents involving MLA Narendra Singh Kushwah and former collector Sanjeev Srivastava, as well as protests by Ambrish Sharma, were cited.

However, the BJP leader chose not to elaborate on these issues, calling them individual matters. He avoided giving a direct response and moved on from the question.

Focus on Party Strength and Upcoming Elections

Earlier in the day, Khandelwal addressed party workers and reviewed organizational activities. He expressed confidence in the BJP’s strength in Bhind and asserted that the party would perform strongly in upcoming elections. He said the focus remains on strengthening the organization and maintaining grassroots connections.