Azmi, head of the SP's Maharashtra unit, and Waris Pathan, the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) MLA from Mumbai, yesterday opposed senior BJP MLA Raj Purohit's demand for making singing of Vande Mataram compulsory.
Citing the recent order of the Madras High Court, which made singing of the national song mandatory in schools across Tamil Nadu atleast twice a week, Purohit had said that the singing of Vande Mataram should be made mandatory in schools and colleges and the state government come up with a policy in this regard.
Azmi told reporters last night that he would not sing Vande Mataram even if he is "thrown out of the country", while Pathan had said he would not sing it "even if a revolver is put to my head".
Raising the issue in the House today, BJP member Anil Gote said, "There should not be any opposition to Vande Mataram. It is a patriotic song and it should not be opposed by people like Abu Azmi."
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"During the pre-Independence period, all faiths used Vande Mataram in their struggle against the British. If the same song has to be recited today, why are you opposing it?" Khadse said.
Azmi maintained that he was against the demand for making singing of Vande Mataram compulsory.
Echoing Azmi, Congress MLA Aslam Shaikh said, "There are two versions of Vande Mataram and after the Independence, the government is forcing only one version on us. It is wrong and should be opposed".
After a brief uproar on the issue, the proceedings of the House continued normally following an appeal made by Speaker Haribhau Bagde.
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