Forcing Vande Mataram on citizens violates religious freedoms: Ruhullah
Srinagar: National Conference Member of Parliament Agha Ruhullah Mehdi has said that compelling citizens to sing Vande Mataram is a violation of religious freedoms and an assault on India’s pluralistic character.
According to Kashmir Media Service, participating in a debate on the Indian song in the Lok Sabha, the Srinagar MP said no community disrespects Vande Mataram, but the issue arises “when people are told they must sing it to prove their loyalty or secure their place in India.” He stressed that religious freedom is an “eternal identity” which cannot be overridden by enforced conformity.
Ruhullah said that “demanding that we sing it is not acceptable.” Drawing a line between civic and religious identities, he noted that nationality may change, but a person’s faith remains constant, and constitutional guarantees protect this individuality.
The NC leader warned that debates of this nature were being weaponised to deflect attention from unemployment, inflation and governance failures, alleging that Muslims were being targeted “to hide incompetence.” He said communities across India share the same basic aspirations — clean water, clean air and jobs — and have equally contributed to the country’s freedom struggle.
