After the petitions challenging the candidacy of President, it’s the turn of the Vice President.
Virendra Mishra, Mumbai-based businessman and social activist, has filed a petition in the Bombay High Court against the United National Progressive Alliance (UNPA) vice-presidential candidate Rasheed Masood alleging that Masood in an interview had refused to sing the national song 'Vande Mataram', as he is a Muslim. Andheri-resident, Mishra runs a coal and oil business.
Masood, in an interview to news channels on July 16 allegedly said that he will not sing the national song, as he is a Muslim and that he is ready to sacrifice his life for the nation but will not sing the song, states Mishra’s petition. Usual practice is such that during the swearing in to the vice-president's office, the elected vice-president has to sing the national song.
Aggrieved by the statement, Mishra approached the high court claiming, "This has horrified us. Masood has no respect for the song that has inspired thousands to fight the tyranny of British." Mishra further added that how can a person contesting for such a high post say something like this. "He should see whether he is an Indian first or a Muslim," said Mishra.
Mishra, in his petition has sought the election commissioner to cancel Masood's nomination forms. The petition will come up for hearing in due course.
Mishra, in his petition has sought the election commissioner to cancel Masood's nomination forms. The petition will come up for hearing in due course.
The elections for the post of vice president are scheduled to be held on August 10.