New Delhi’s political landscape heated up as the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) launched a scathing attack on the central government’s latest directive mandating the recitation or singing of all six stanzas of ‘Vande Mataram’ before the national anthem in official functions, schools, and government events. Labeling it a blatant violation of constitutional rights and religious freedom, the board vowed to challenge it legally if not withdrawn immediately.
In a strongly worded press statement, AIMPLB General Secretary Maulana Mohammad Fazlur Rahim Mujaddidi underscored that the full version of the song, penned by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee, invokes worship of deities like Durga, clashing directly with Islamic tenets of monotheism. He recalled historical precedents, including Rabindranath Tagore’s objections and Constituent Assembly debates, which limited its use to the first two stanzas to preserve secular harmony.
‘This imposition by a secular government on citizens of another faith is unacceptable,’ Mujaddidi asserted, pointing to Supreme Court rulings that deemed certain stanzas incompatible with secular principles. He alleged political motivations ahead of West Bengal elections, urging the government to rescind the notification to uphold Article 25’s guarantee of religious liberty.
The controversy stems from a recent notice declaring the complete six-stanza rendition—lasting over three minutes—as the official version. It requires standing in respect during performances at presidential events, award ceremonies, and educational institutions. AIMPLB’s stance highlights deepening tensions over national symbols and minority rights in India’s diverse democracy, with the board prepared for courtroom battles to protect constitutional values.