My Religion Doesn't Allow: Abu Azmi Refuses To Chant 'Vande Mataram'

Samajwadi Party legislator Abu Azmi on Wednesday kicked up a major controversy after he refused to say 'Vande Mataram' in Maharashtra Assembly, claiming that his religion (Islam) does not permit it.

He made the statement on the third day of the Maharashtra monsoon session when the members were holding a discussion on the issue of a riot in the Sambhajinagar district.

"Some people say that if one has to live in India, 'Vande Mataram' must be chanted. We cannot do it. We believe only in one god," he said.

"Aftab Poonawalla did wrong, but slogans against Muslims started all over the country. Sakal Hindu Samaj Morchas were held in many districts of Maharashtra, and Muslims were insulted at the rally," Azmi was quoted as saying by Lokmat Times.

Azmi refused to recite 'Vande Mataram' saying it is akin to bowing to the nation and his religion does not allow him to bow before anyone, not even his mother!

"We are the ones whose forefathers gave their lives for this country, we are the ones who considered India as their country and not Pakistan. Islam teaches us to bow down before the one who created this whole world," Azmi tweeted.

"If I cannot recite Vande Mataram, then it does not reduce my respect for my country and my patriotism, and no one should have any objection to this," he added.

"Sakal Hindu Samaj meetings have resulted in violence in many districts of Maharashtra, but no action has been taken against those who gave hate speeches in these meetings. During Ram Navami's violence, Muniruddin standing at the gate of his house was martyred by the police. The Maharashtra government did not do anything to provide justice to Muniruddin and his family. Taking one-sided action only against Muslims and not even ordering an inquiry for the families of innocents killed in the riots - this is the arrogance of the government, and arrogance doesn't last forever," he added.

The Maharashtra legislative Assembly was adjourned following a noisy protest by BJP MLAs over the SP leaders' remark about 'Vande Mataram'.