The controversial proposal of making the singing of 'Vande Mataram' compulsory in all BMC-run schools twice a week was cleared in the civic house on Thursday. It will now be forwarded to municipal commissioner Ajoy Mehta for a final approval. Sandip Patel, BJP corporator from Goregaon, moved the proposal. The Shiv Sena and BJP supported it, after which mayor Vishwanath Mahadeshwar passed it.

Patel said, "To encourage patriotic feelings among citizens, we should make [singing] Vande Mataram compulsory twice a week in all schools and colleges run by BMC."