Meerut: What was meant to be a solemn ceremony turned into a scene of turmoil as the newly elected Mayor and councilors took their oaths amidst a heated controversy surrounding the singing of the national song, “Vande Mataram.” The event, held at the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Auditorium in Chaudhary Charan Singh University, witnessed a clash between party members, resulting in physical altercations and disruptions.
As the strains of “Vande Mataram” filled the air, tensions began to rise when it became apparent that councilors from the party led by Owaisi did not stand up during the rendition of the national song. This act of defiance ignited a fiery exchange between the opposing parties, quickly spiraling out of control.
Members of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) accused Owaisi’s councilors of disrespecting the revered national song, further fueling the growing animosity. In a retaliatory response, enraged councilors from both sides resorted to physical violence against their counterparts. The situation worsened as the chaos spilled over, leading to scuffles and brawls between the party members.
In the midst of the pandemonium, some councilors from Owaisi’s party chose to leave the venue without completing the oath-taking process, adding another layer of complexity to an already volatile situation.
Despite the turbulent circumstances, the oath-taking ceremony proceeded with the newly elected Mayor and councilors eventually taking their oaths. However, the event was marred by the contentious atmosphere that had permeated the auditorium.
During the inauguration, as the ceremony commenced, the national song “Vande Mataram” was performed. Shockingly, councilors from the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) abstained from singing the song, further intensifying the brewing tension.
The violence extended beyond the ceremony premises, with BJP and AIMIM workers continuing their assaults on each other party councilors in the presence of district officials, including the District Magistrate, Superintendent of Police, and the Civil Lines Circle Officer. The severity of the situation prompted the intervention of the Rapid Action Force (RAF) and a substantial police force.
Imran Ansari, the AIMIM City President, disclosed that four councilors from AIMIM, namely Fazal Kareem from Ward 71, Tahir from Ward 82, Sahid from Ward 72, and Guddi Patni Afzal from Ward 81, along with Rizwan Ansari from another political party, had not taken their oaths. These five councilors will now be administered the oath at the Municipal Corporation on Saturday.
In response to the violent incidents, all AIMIM councilors, along with 11 councilors from the Muslim League and workers from the Azaad Samaj Party, converged at the local police station. They filed a written complaint against BJP workers, urging the authorities to initiate an FIR against the assailants.
The aftermath of the altercation witnessed cases being registered against BJP councilors allegedly involved in the assaults, as law enforcement authorities take measures to address the grave incidents that unfolded during the oath-taking ceremony.
The clash of ideologies and disregard for national sentiments displayed during this event has raised concerns about the state of political discourse and the need for peaceful resolutions in democratic processes.
