Indian Muslims Oppose govt’s Order to mandate full recitation of Vande Mataram at Official Events, AIMPLB Demands its withdrawal

New Delhi: Indian Muslim have raised strong objections to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs’ recent order that makes the full six-stanza of the national song Vande Mataram compulsory at government functions, schools and formal ceremonies. The order, dated February 6, 2026, states that when the national song and the national anthem Jana Gana Mana are performed together, Vande Mataram must be sung or played first. Everyone present must stand at attention and honour during its recitation.

The guidelines apply to government functions, including official events, schools, and ceremonies across the country. The full version lasts about 3 minutes and 10 seconds.

The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has demanded that the Central Government immediately withdraw the notification. Otherwise, the Board will challenge it in court.

In a press statement, the Board’s General Secretary, Maulana Mohammed Fazlur Rahim Mujaddidi said “the decision is completely unacceptable to Muslims. He termed it unconstitutional, against religious freedom, secular values, contrary to Supreme Court judgment, and directly conflicting with the religious beliefs of Muslims.

“Following Rabindranath Tagore’s advice and deliberations in the Constituent Assembly, it had been agreed that only the first two stanzas of Vande Mataram would be used. Secular government cannot forcibly impose the beliefs or teachings of one religion upon followers of other religions,”He added.

The song was written in the context of Bengal and contains references to the worship and veneration of Durga, Lakshmi and other deities. “Muslims cannot accept it, as it directly conflicts with their faith. A Muslim worships only One God, Allah, without partners, and Islam does not permit any form of associating partners with God.”

Muslim civil society accused the ruling party of communal politics and polarisation behind this decision, especially ahead of the West Bengal assembly elections. They called it electoral politics, a sectarian agenda, and a deliberate effort to divert public attention from fundamental issues. “The true measure of love for one’s country lies not in slogans but in character and sacrifice. Such decisions weaken the country’s peace, unity, and democratic values and undermine the spirit of the Constitution,” they said.

Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind has also strongly urged the Government of India to review the circular in light of constitutional provisions, judicial precedents, and the diverse social fabric of the nation, so that religious liberty, constitutional dignity, and social harmony may be preserved.

Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind President Arshad Madani said on X “The Central Government’s unilateral and coercive decision to make “Vande Mataram” the national song and to mandate all its stanzas is not only a blatant attack on the freedom of religion guaranteed by the Constitution of India but also a systematic attempt to curtail the constitutional rights of minorities.”

“Muslims worship only one Allah, forcing them to sing this song is a clear violation of Article 25 of the Constitution and several judgments of the Supreme Court, as Some verses of “Vande Mataram” are based on beliefs that portray the homeland as a deity, which contradict the fundamental belief of monotheistic religions. It must be remembered that Muslims worship only one God; they may endure everything, but they cannot accept associating partners with Him. Therefore, making “Vande Mataram” compulsory is a clear assault on the Constitution, religious freedom, and democratic principles,”He added. 

Maulana Hakimuddin Qasmi said to NNP over a phone interview: “The Constitution of India guarantees every citizen the inalienable right to profess, practice, and propagate his or her religion, and to live in accordance with one’s faith and conscience under Article 25 of the Constitution of India. Therefore, compelling any individual to recite a specific poem or composition that conflicts with his or her religious beliefs is contrary to the spirit and provisions of the Constitution.”

“India is a pluralistic and multi-religious nation where constitutional supremacy and the principle of “unity in diversity” form the foundation of national integration. Muslims are not opposed to the poem per se. If the majority community wishes to recite it, they are fully entitled to do so but making it mandatory for all citizens to recite it, would amount to imposing restrictions on religious freedom. Any step that weakens this foundation cannot be in the interest of the country,” Qasmi added. 

“The Muslims of India hold a unanimous and unequivocal position that any decision undermining religious freedom will not be accepted. We strongly urge the Government of India to review the said circular in light of constitutional provisions, judicial precedents, and the diverse social fabric of the nation, so that religious liberty, constitutional dignity, and social harmony may be preserved,” He further said.

“As far as love for the nation is concerned, it is part of our religious duty. We have always loved our country and will continue to do so. However, any expression that falls within the domain of worship cannot be accepted, as the Constitution itself guarantees us the right to practice our faith freely,”He also stated.

Indian courts have also held that the other verses are inconsistent with secular values and have restricted their recitation in the past.

The controversy comes as the song marks its 150th anniversary, originally written by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee in 1875. The first two stanzas praise the beauty of the land and were chosen for official use to keep it inclusive for all faiths.

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Shoaibur Rahman

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