Political controversy erupts in Bihar after “Vande Mataram” singing made compulsory in educational institutions
Patna: A political controversy has erupted in Bihar following a directive by the NDA-led government mandating the daily singing of Vande Mataram in all schools and madrasas.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the move has sparked strong opposition, particularly from the AIMIM, which deems it a “religious imposition” and an attempt to force worship of the nation against Islamic tenets
The Bihar unit of AIMIM has strongly opposed the move, saying it will launch protests both on the streets and inside the state assembly if the decision is not withdrawn.
AIMIM Bihar state president and MLA Akhtarul Iman said the party would resist the order through democratic means. He said, “We will force the government to withdraw this decision just as earlier directives like Surya Namaskar were taken back after opposition. We will continue our protest from the streets to the assembly.”
He further argued that the policy reflects an attempt to impose cultural practices on communities that do not share the same beliefs.
Akhtarul Iman said, “If the country is being turned into a Hindu Rashtra, the government should openly declare it. Then they can do whatever they want. We will not accept any compulsion in matters of faith.”
He also stated that for many Muslims, singing Vande Mataram is a matter of religious concern, adding that the community follows its own religious principles and does not participate in practices they consider inconsistent with their faith.
He said, “We believe in one God and our worship is only for Him. We cannot be asked to follow any other form of veneration.”
Another AIMIM MLA, Sarwar Alam, also criticised the reported directive and announced wider protests across the state.
He said that the party would mobilise its leaders and representatives to oppose the order at every level.
Sarwar Alam said, “Just as we opposed earlier decisions in schools, we will also oppose this one. Every leader of our party will take this issue to the streets and to the assembly.”
The controversy has sparked debate in political circles across Bihar, with supporters of the decision arguing that it is linked to national unity and cultural tradition, while critics said it raises questions about religious freedom and constitutional rights.
