New Delhi: Leading Muslim organisations have opposed the Union government’s notification mandating the recitation of all six verses of Vande Mataram at official functions and in schools before the National Anthem, Jana Gana Mana. They argue that the move violates constitutional protections and interferes with religious freedom.
The All India Muslim Personal Law Board called the order unconstitutional and contrary to secular values. The Board demanded immediate withdrawal of the notification and warned that it will approach the court if the government refuses to review it. Its general secretary, Maulana Mohammed Fazlur Rahim Mujaddidi, said the directive conflicts with Islamic belief in one God and opposes Article 25 of the Constitution.
Both factions of Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind also criticised the order. Maulana Arshad Madani described it as coercive and biased. He said Muslims do not object to others singing the song. He stressed that forcing believers to recite verses portraying the homeland as a deity violates their faith. Maulana Hakimuddin Qasmi from the Mahmood Madani-led faction said compulsory recitation restricts religious liberty guaranteed by the Constitution.
Left parties including CPI M and CPI joined the opposition. They cited Article 51A and recalled that the Constituent Assembly accepted only the first two stanzas after deliberations. Trinamool Congress accused the Centre of distorting the original lyrics penned by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay in Anandamath.
Muslim leaders urged the government to review the circular to protect constitutional dignity and social harmony.
