Anwar Qadri removed from Indore Municipal Council:Resolution passed with two-thirds majority; Mayor Pushyamitra Bhargav questions Congress’s silence on Love Jihad funding case

In a significant move, Congress corporator Anwar Qadri, accused in the ‘Love Jihad funding case’, has been removed from his post in the Indore Municipal Corporation. The decision was passed with a two-thirds majority during the municipal council meeting held on Thursday. Mayor Pushyamitra Bhargav confirmed that the motion to expel Qadri was passed under the provisions of the Municipal Corporation Act. The mayor also stated that the letter sent to the Divisional Commissioner regarding the case is under process, and further action is expected soon. Proposal passed amid opposition walkout The meeting of the Municipal Corporation Council began with a question-and-answer session, followed by several proposals. Proposal number 67, concerning the removal of Anwar Qadri from his corporator post, was introduced by BJP corporators. However, the Opposition Congress members walked out before the proposal was taken up. Mayor Bhargav said, “Anwar Qadri has been convicted in several cases and faces serious allegations, including those related to Love Jihad funding. Despite this, Congress took no action. Even today, they boycotted the discussion. I want to ask Rahul Gandhi, Jitu Patwari, and Chintu Choukse—does Congress support Love Jihad?” Legal grounds for removal Mayor Bhargav explained that the removal was conducted under Section 19(1) and 1(a) of the Municipal Corporation Act. According to this provision, if two-thirds of the council members believe a corporator’s actions are against the interests of the city or the corporation, the member can be expelled. He further said, “This is probably the first time in Indore’s history that such a proposal has been passed. The Divisional Commissioner has also been informed, and he may not only confirm Qadri’s removal but also bar him from contesting future municipal elections for several years.” After the proposal’s approval, official notifications will be sent to the state government and the Election Commission. The proposal for the expulsion of the councilor might not have come earlier Serious allegations against Anwar Qadri Qadri has faced numerous criminal allegations, including one linked to Love Jihad funding. In June, a video surfaced featuring two men claiming that Qadri had paid them to lure Hindu women, convert them to Islam, and push them into prostitution. The video went viral, prompting police action. A case was registered at Banganga Police Station, where the accused named Qadri as the mastermind who offered money to trap Hindu women under the guise of marriage. Police later arrested the main accused, while Qadri absconded. He was on the run for nearly three months, with a ₹40,000 reward announced for his capture, before surrendering in court on August 29. Past criminal record Qadri’s criminal background dates back decades: He has served as corporator three times, while his wife has held the post twice. Qadri was once appointed General Secretary of the Indore City Congress during Pramod Tandon’s tenure as president and even contested one election as an independent candidate. ‘Pakistan Zindabad’ slogan controversy On April 28, 2025, Qadri organized a protest against terrorism in Ward 58, where he burned an effigy of Pakistan. However, during the event, some of his supporters shouted “Pakistan Zindabad” after he mentioned the country’s name.
BJP MLA Golu Shukla filed a complaint, leading to Qadri’s arrest and subsequent imprisonment. Forgery and property fraud cases Qadri also faces a case of fake arms license under investigation by Sadar Bazaar Police. The license, allegedly issued from Jammu and Kashmir’s Ramban district, was found to be forged after verification. In another case, Khajrana Police charged Qadri and six others, including a woman, with fraud and forgery. They allegedly forged property documents of a woman named Zohra Bee and sold her land to another party. The road ahead With the council’s decision now officially recorded, Qadri’s dismissal awaits confirmation from the Divisional Commissioner. Legal experts suggest that once ratified, it could set a precedent in Madhya Pradesh’s municipal governance, being the first case of its kind under the amended law of 2003. ​