AIMIM's Waris Pathan opposes mandatory 'Vande Mataram' recitation, cites religious freedom

AIMIM spokesperson Waris Pathan on Tuesday opposed any proposal to make the recitation of Vande Mataram mandatory saying that although Muslims respect the national song certain verses cannot be recited by followers of Islam as they conflict with their religious beliefsHis remarks came after the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Amendment Bill 2026 was introduced in the Rajya Sabha on July 24 The proposed legislation seeks to grant the national song Vande Mataram the same legal and statutory protection currently enjoyed by the national anthemWe respect Vande Mataram but some lines conflict with our faithSpeaking to IANS Pathan said the AIMIM respects Vande Mataram but maintained that there are specific lines in the song that Muslims cannot reciteI have always said that we respect Vande Mataram We honour it But there are some lines in Vande Mataram which a Muslim cannot recite If those lines are spoken it becomes shirk according to Islamic belief We do not worship anyone other than Allah nor will we ever We would rather die than do so And this is my constitutional right under Article 25 which the Supreme Court has also upheld Pathan saidQuestions compulsory recitationQuestioning what action could be taken against those who choose not to recite the national song Pathan asserted that respecting the country should not be equated with compulsory recitation He also accused the BJP and the RSS of attempting to intimidate people over the issueI respect my nation but if I do not recite Vande Mataram then what will you do Hang me Shoot me The BJP and RSS have nothing to do but threaten people he saidDistinguishes national anthem from national songDrawing a distinction between the national anthem and the national song the AIMIM leader said his party fully respects and recites the national anthem but opposes any attempt to compel citizens to recite Vande MataramThere is a difference between the National Anthem and Vande Mataram We recite the National Anthem Jana Gana Mana with all our heart and soul and respect it We salute the Tricolour The Supreme Court has held that the national anthem is mandatory whereas the national song is not If you force something upon us it would be unconstitutional and against democracy Pathan saidMuslims should not be labelled unpatrioticPathan further alleged that Muslims are often unfairly labelled as unpatriotic for refusing to recite portions of the national song that they believe conflict with their faith He also said the sacrifices made by members of the Muslim community during Indias freedom struggle should not be overlookedIf a Muslims religion does not allow them to recite these lines people start alleging that they are not patriotic or nationalist This is completely wrong Our people sacrificed their lives for the freedom of this country Will you not talk about the RSS How many BJP leaders know Vande Mataram without reading it from a teleprompter he saidWith IANS inputs