Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind chief Arshad Madani criticised the government’s order making all six stanzas of Vande Mataram mandatory, calling it a violation of religious freedom and constitutional rights, and accused it of politicising patriotism
-1770889118946_d.png "Jamiat chief Madani slams govt directive on Vande Mataram as 'blatant attack' on religious freedom")
Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind President Maulana Arshad Madani. File Pic
Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind President Maulana Arshad Madani has strongly criticised the Union government’s directive to play all six stanzas of Vande Mataram before the national anthem at official events, calling it a “blatant attack on freedom of religion.”
He said the move violates the constitutional rights of religious minorities in India.
Government directive on Vande Mataram
The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) recently issued detailed guidelines stating that whenever both the National Song and the National Anthem are performed at an official event, all six stanzas of Vande Mataram must be presented first.
This decision has sparked debate over religious freedom and citizens’ rights to choose which patriotic expressions they participate in.
Politics over patriotism?
Madani criticised the decision as politically motivated rather than patriotic. “Making this song mandatory and attempting to impose it on citizens is not an expression of patriotism; rather, it reflects electoral politics, a sectarian agenda, and a deliberate effort to divert public attention from fundamental issues,” he said.
He added, “The true measure of love for one's country lies not in slogans but in character and sacrifice. Such decisions weaken the country's peace, unity, and democratic values and undermine the spirit of the Constitution.”
In a post on X, Madani said the directive is coercive and unconstitutional. “The Central Government's unilateral and coercive decision to make Vande Mataram the national song and to mandate all its stanzas in all government programmes, schools, colleges, and functions is not only a blatant attack on the freedom of religion guaranteed by the Constitution of India but also a systematic attempt to curtail the constitutional rights of minorities,” he wrote.
He explained that while Muslims do not prevent anyone from singing or playing the song, some verses describe the homeland as a deity, which contradicts monotheistic beliefs. “Since a Muslim worships only one Allah, forcing him to sing this song is a clear violation of Article 25 of the Constitution and several judgments of the Supreme Court,” Madani said as per ANI reports.
Religious beliefs must be respected
Madani emphasised that Muslims worship only one God and cannot accept associating partners with Him. “Therefore, making Vande Mataram compulsory is a clear assault on the Constitution, religious freedom, and democratic principles,” he said.
His statements highlight the ongoing debate over balancing patriotic expression with constitutional protections for religious freedom in India.
(With ANI Inputs)
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