Muslims raise 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai' slogan, write it with their blood in Gwalior

MIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi's speech and later former MP Javed Akhtar's response to it, had led to a heated debate over chanting 'Bharat Mata ki Jai' recently.

Muslims in Gwalior gathered at the Phool Bagh chauraha, and wrote Bharat Mata ki Jai, with their blood.

They said that Owaisi can't be allowed to hijack the Muslim voice and he can't speak for Indian Muslims.

Local Muslims from different sections including activists, those associated with religious organisation, mosques, dargahs, waqf bodies trusts and political parties including Congress were present.

The organisers said that love towards motherland is an intrinsic part of Islamic belief and no one can take away this right from them.

They raised patriotic slogans including 'Madr-e-watan zindabad' [Long live the motherland] and Hindustan Zindabad. There were speeches also on the occasion.

Ironically, Vande Mataram or Bharat Mata Ki Jai are used as 'tests of patriotism'.

The fact is that millions of Muslims, schoolchildren, daily chant the slogan.

For everyone who refuses to chant the slogan when forced to say it, there are innumerable Muslims who chant it voluntarily.

The expression of patriotism is through deeds, not through sloganeering alone.

Unfortunately, Indian Muslims are made to go through these tests time and again, which upsets them.

So this is also another side of the picture. The report published in a local Hindi newspaper is also put up here.