AIMPLB slams BJP govt’s move to make “Vande Mataram” mandatory
Calls it unconstitutional, assault on religious freedom
New Delhi: The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has strongly criticized the BJP-led Indian government’s decision to accord “Vande Mataram” equal status to the national anthem “Jana Gana Mana” and to make all six stanzas of song compulsory in government and educational institutions, terming it unconstitutional, an assault on religious freedom, and unacceptable.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the Indian Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved a proposal to amend the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act which would put Vande Mataram on par with the national anthem.
The AIMPLB said the move violates the basic spirit of the Constitution, secular values, and religious freedom. In a press statement, AIMPLB spokesperson Dr. Syed Qasim Rasool Ilyas said several stanzas of Vande Mataram contain invocations and glorification of Durga and other Hindu deities, which directly conflict with Islamic doctrine.
“A secular state cannot impose the religious concepts or beliefs of one community upon all citizens by force,” Dr. Ilyas said. “Islam permits worship only of Allah, the One without partner, and does not accept any form of shirk.”
He further noted that in 1937, the Congress had decided that only the first two stanzas should be used, as later stanzas were religious in character. The Constituent Assembly in 1950 also accepted only the first two stanzas as the national song.
“Making all six stanzas compulsory is not only a departure from the historical consensus but also a dangerous and provocative step,” he warned.
Dr. Ilyas added national unity is strengthened not through coercion or religious imposition but through constitutional principles, mutual respect, and protection of religious freedom. He urged the government to avoid using sensitive religious matters for political purposes, warning that such decisions could harm communal harmony.
The Board demanded immediate withdrawal of the decision, warning of legal action. “If the government does not withdraw this decision, the AIMPLB will be compelled to challenge it in court,” said Dr. M Vaqaruddin Latifi, Office Secretary.
Meanwhile, All India Majlis Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi rejected any comparison between “Vande Mataram” and “Jana Gana Mana.”
He pointed to the song’s author, noting, “The man who wrote Vande Mataram was sympathetic to the British Raj and despised Muslims.” Referring to constitutional history, he said: “The Preamble to the Constitution of India promises liberty of thought, expression, belief, faith and worship.”
