Rajya Sabha passes Bill giving Vande Mataram legal protection
‘If you live in India, say Vande Mataram’, Hindu saints tell Muslims
New Delhi: The Rajya Sabha has passed the Prevention of Insults of National Honor (Amendment) Bill, 2026, popularly called the Vande Mataram Bill, granting Vande Mataram the same legal protection as the India’s national anthem.
According to Kashmir Media Service, insulting it may now attract up to 3 years in jail. The legislation has drawn mixed reactions. Several Hindu religious leaders welcomed the move, while some Muslim leaders voiced objections.
Mathura-based Swami Sachchidanand Maharaj, Chitragupta Peethadhishwar, backed the Bill and said Muslims should have “no problem” in chanting ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’ and ‘Vande Mataram’.
“I want to tell all the Muslims of the country that this is India, and Sharia law will not work here. If someone likes Pakistan or Bangladesh, they can move there. If you want to live in India, you must say ‘Vande Mataram’ and ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’. This country belongs to everyone,” he said.
Dinesh Falahari, president of the Krishna Janmabhoomi Sangharsh Trust, also welcomed the Bill, calling it a “proud moment for the people of India.” “It is unfortunate that some Maulanas are saying they would rather die than sing ‘Vande Mataram’. If someone wants to live in India, they should say ‘Vande Mataram’. If you want to stay in this country, you have to respect it,” he said.
On the other hand, Muslim leaders expressed dissatisfaction with the legislation and objected to its provisions.
