New Delhi – The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has come out strongly against the central government’s recent order that makes singing all six stanzas of the national song “Vande Mataram” a must in schools and at official events. In a statement released on February 12, 2026, the board called the move against the Constitution, harmful to religious freedom, and not in line with India’s secular ways. They said the song talks about worshipping Goddess Durga and other gods, which goes against what Muslims believe. Muslims pray only to one God, Allah, and do not accept anything that looks like sharing partners with Him. The board warned that if the government does not take back this order right away, they will go to court to fight it. This issue has brought back old debates about national symbols and how they fit with different religions in India.
The order from the Union Home Ministry came out on January 28, 2026, and it says the full version of the song, which takes about 3 minutes and 10 seconds, must be sung or played at key events. These include when the President or governors arrive or leave official functions, during flag hoisting, and even in school mornings. People have to stand up when it is played, just like for the national anthem “Jana Gana Mana”. If both are played together, “Vande Mataram” comes first. The government says this is to show respect for the song, which was written by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee in 1875 and played a big role in India’s fight for freedom from British rule.
But groups like AIMPLB and Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind see it differently. They say forcing people to sing all parts of the song hurts the feelings of those who cannot do it because of their faith. Maulana Mohammed Fazlur Rahim Mujaddidi, the general secretary of AIMPLB, said in the statement, “The song has words that praise Durga and other deities. This is like idol worship, which Islam does not allow. We respect the country, but we cannot go against our religion.” He added that Indian courts have said in the past that some parts of the song do not fit with secular ideas and should not be forced on everyone.
Historical Background of Vande Mataram
“Vande Mataram” means “I bow to thee, Mother” and it first appeared in a book called Anandamath by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee. The book was about monks fighting against rulers, and the song became a cry for freedom during India’s independence movement. Leaders like Lala Lajpat Rai and Mahatma Gandhi used it to bring people together. In 1937, the Congress party chose the first two stanzas as the national song because they talk about loving the motherland without naming any gods. The other four stanzas mention Durga and other Hindu figures, which some people felt could make non-Hindus uncomfortable.
After India became free in 1947, the government under Jawaharlal Nehru kept only the first two stanzas for official use to keep things neutral. This was to make sure everyone, no matter their religion, could join in. But over the years, there have been fights about it. In 2006, when the BJP was in power in some states, they tried to make it a must in schools, but many Muslims protested. The central government then said it was not forced. Now, in 2026, as India marks 150 years since the song was written, the current government has brought back all six stanzas, saying it is time to honor the full original work.
Experts say this move might be linked to politics, especially with elections coming up in states like West Bengal, where the song started. But critics call it a way to push one culture over others. Asaduddin Owaisi, leader of AIMIM, tweeted, “Forcing Vande Mataram on Muslims is like asking them to forget their faith. India is for all, not just one group.” On the other side, BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra said, “Vande Mataram is about loving the nation, not religion. Those who oppose it are dividing the country.”
Legal Aspects and Supreme Court Rulings
The AIMPLB says the order goes against what the Supreme Court has said before. In a famous case in 1986 called Bijoe Emmanuel vs State of Kerala, three children from Jehovah’s Witnesses refused to sing the national anthem because their religion did not allow it. The court ruled that no one can be forced to sing if it hurts their faith, as long as they show respect by standing quietly. The judges said freedom of religion under Article 25 of the Constitution is important, and the state cannot make rules that break it.
In 2017, the Supreme Court again talked about “Vande Mataram” when someone asked to make it a must like the anthem. The court said it is not needed, and people can choose. Justice Dipak Misra, who was chief justice then, noted that the song is not the same as the anthem, which is mentioned in the Constitution. “Why force it? Let people decide,” he said. The AIMPLB points to these rulings to say the new order is wrong. They also say Article 51A, which talks about respecting national symbols, does not make singing mandatory.
Lawyers like Prashant Bhushan agree. He told a news channel, “This notification could be challenged because it ignores religious diversity. Courts have always protected minorities from such forces.” But some legal experts think the government has a point. They say since “Vande Mataram” is now official with protocols, it might stand in court if seen as a way to build national pride without targeting any group.
Reactions from Muslim Community and Other Groups
The Muslim community has mostly backed AIMPLB’s stand. Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind, another big group, called the order a “blatant attack” on religious freedom. Their leader Maulana Mahmood Madani said in a statement, “The government’s unilateral decision is arbitrary and aims to curtail minority rights. We stand with AIMPLB in demanding its withdrawal.” Mosques in places like Delhi and Lucknow have discussed this in Friday prayers, urging people to write to leaders.
Not all Muslims agree, though. Some like actor Naseeruddin Shah have said in past interviews that the first two stanzas are fine as they are about the land, not gods. But most leaders say the full song changes that. Christian groups have also spoken up. The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India said, “We respect national songs, but forcing all parts could hurt sentiments. India must stay secular.”
From the government side, Home Minister Amit Shah defended the order in Parliament. “This is to honor our heritage. No one is forced to worship; it’s about the nation,” he said. But opposition parties like Congress and TMC called it a distraction from real issues like jobs and prices. Rahul Gandhi tweeted, “Instead of fixing the economy, the government is busy with songs. This is not unity; it’s division.”
Impact on Schools and Official Functions
The order says schools should start the day with “Vande Mataram” to teach kids about patriotism. School heads have to plan for it, and students must stand. In places like Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, where BJP rules, this has already started. But in states like Kerala and West Bengal, there is pushback. Kerala Education Minister said, “We will follow the law, but if it hurts feelings, we may ask for changes.”
At official events, like Republic Day or Independence Day, the full song will play before the anthem. This could make events longer, but the government says it is worth it. Critics worry it might lead to fights or boycotts. In 2006, when a similar thing happened, some Muslim students walked out of assemblies, leading to punishments that courts later stopped.
Broader Implications for Secularism in India
This controversy shows the ongoing tug between nationalism and secularism in India. Since 2014, under the BJP government, there have been moves like making yoga a must or promoting Sanskrit. Supporters say these build a strong nation, but opponents call them ways to make India more Hindu. Historian Ramachandra Guha wrote in a column, “Vande Mataram was a freedom song, but forcing it now ignores India’s diversity. Nehru knew this when he cut the stanzas.”
International groups like Amnesty International have watched such issues. They said in a report, “Laws that force cultural unity can harm minorities.” But the government says India is sovereign and can decide its symbols.
What Happens Next?
AIMPLB has given the government time to pull back the order. If not, they plan to file a case in the Supreme Court soon. Legal battles could take months, but in the meantime, the rule stays. Public opinion is split: a poll by a news channel showed 60% support the full song, but 40% want choice.
This issue reminds us that in a country with many religions, national symbols must bring people together, not push them apart. As Maulana Mujaddidi said, “We are proud Indians, but our faith comes first. The government should respect that.”
FAQs
What is the central government’s notification on Vande Mataram?
The Union Home Ministry issued an order on January 28, 2026, making it mandatory to sing or play all six stanzas of “Vande Mataram” at official functions, schools, and events like flag hoisting. The full version lasts 3 minutes and 10 seconds, and people must stand. It comes before the national anthem if both are played.
Why does AIMPLB oppose the notification?
AIMPLB says the song’s later stanzas talk about worshipping Durga and other deities, which Muslims cannot do because Islam teaches worship only to Allah without partners. They call it unconstitutional, against religious freedom under Article 25, and not secular. It also goes against Supreme Court rulings that say no force for such things.
What does the Supreme Court say about Vande Mataram?
In 1986, the court in Bijoe Emmanuel case said no one can be punished for not singing if it hurts their religion, as long as they respect it. In 2017, it refused to make “Vande Mataram” mandatory like the anthem, saying choice is key.
Is “Vande Mataram” the national anthem?
No, “Jana Gana Mana” is the national anthem. “Vande Mataram” is the national song. Both are respected, but only the anthem is in the Constitution.
What will AIMPLB do if the government does not withdraw the order?
They will challenge it in court, likely the Supreme Court, arguing it violates fundamental rights.
How does this affect schools?
Schools must start with community singing of the full song. Authorities should teach respect for it, but if students refuse for religious reasons, it could lead to issues based on past cases.
Are other groups opposing this?
Yes, Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind called it an attack on rights. Some Christian and Sikh leaders also worry about similar forces in future.
What is the history behind dropping some stanzas?
In 1937, Congress chose only the first two stanzas to avoid religious references and make it inclusive for all Indians.
Can individuals refuse to sing?
Based on court rulings, yes, if it conflicts with faith, but they must show respect, like standing quietly.
Why now in 2026?
It marks 150 years of the song’s creation. The government says it’s to honor the full work, but critics link it to politics.