AIMPLB opposes Indian govt’s direction to play complete Vande Mataram
New Delhi: The All India Muslim Personal Law Board has demanded the withdrawal of the Indian Ministry of Home Affairs’ notification mandating the playing of all six stanzas of Vande Mataram before the India’s anthem at official events.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the Board’s General Secretary, Maulana Mohammed Fazlur Rahim Mujaddidi, in a statement expressed strong opposition to the government’s decision, calling it unconstitutional, against religious freedom and secular values, contrary to the Supreme Court judgment, and directly conflicting with the religious beliefs of Muslims. He stated that the decision is therefore completely unacceptable to Muslims.
Maulana Fazlur Rahim Mujaddidi noted that, 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.
He said that a secular government cannot forcibly impose the beliefs or teachings of one religion upon followers of other religions. He added that the song was written in the context of Bengal and contains references to the worship and veneration of Durga and other deities.
Maulana Fazlur Rahim Mujaddidi said, “Whatever the political considerations behind implementing this decision ahead of the West Bengal elections, 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,” he maintained.
He further stated that Indian courts had also held that the other verses are inconsistent with secular values and have restricted their recitation.
Therefore, the Board demanded that the Indian government immediately withdraw the notification, warning to challenge India’s MHA’s decision in court.
