“Completely Unacceptable, a Blatant Attack on Religious Freedom”: Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind and AIMPLB Oppose MHA Order on Full ‘Vande Mataram’ Recital

New Delhi: A fresh controversy has erupted after the Ministry of Home Affairs issued a notification in February 2026 directing that all six stanzas of Vande Mataram be sung before the national anthem at official events, schools, and government functions.

The directive has drawn sharp opposition from Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind and the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB), both of which have termed the move unconstitutional and announced plans to challenge it in court.

AIMPLB General Secretary Maulana Mohammed Fazlur Rahim Mujaddidi strongly objected to the order, stating, “This is completely unacceptable. Forcing the recitation of all six stanzas imposes content that conflicts with Islamic beliefs, particularly references that are devotional in nature. Article 25 guarantees freedom of religion, and this directive violates that protection.”

He argued that while the first two stanzas of the song have traditionally been used in official settings, later verses contain imagery that some Muslims believe contradicts the principle of monotheism (Tauheed). “Patriotism cannot be measured by compelled recital. Faith does not permit us to participate in anything that resembles idolatry,” he added.

Echoing similar concerns, Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind General Secretary Maulana Mohammad Hakimuddin Qasmi described the circular as “a blatant attack on constitutional rights and India’s pluralistic fabric.” He said, “In a country built on unity in diversity, no community should feel that its religious identity is being overridden. Voluntary respect is one thing, compulsion is another.”

The MHA order reportedly aligns with commemorative events marking 150 years of Vande Mataram, originally composed by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee. The notification specifies that the full rendition, lasting over three minutes, should precede Jana Gana Mana at state functions attended by constitutional authorities.

Opposition groups have pointed to historical precedents, noting that during deliberations in 1950, national leaders adopted only the opening stanzas for formal occasions to maintain communal harmony. They argue that past judicial observations have also emphasized sensitivity in matters involving faith and national symbols.

Mujaddidi further alleged political timing behind the order, saying, “National unity cannot be strengthened through pressure. True love for the country comes from service and sacrifice, not forced expressions.”