Everyone must accord due respect to Vande Mataram: Kiren Rijiju on AIMPLB's remark
New Delhi, June 2
Slamming the controversy over 'Vande Mataram', Union Minister Kiren Rijiju on Tuesday said the national song does not belong to any specific religion or state and demanded an end to political sparring over the issue.
Union Minister's remarks come in the wake of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) opposing the West Bengal government's decision to make the rendering of 'Vande Mataram' mandatory.
Speaking on the issue, Rijiju stated, "Vande Mataram is the national song of the entire nation. It does not belong exclusively to me, to you, to any single state, or to any specific religion; it is a national song."
He further emphasised that the song commands universal respect across the country and should be kept away from political debates.
"As such, everyone ought to accord it due respect. There should be absolutely no scope for politicising this issue," Rijiju added.
The AIMPLB had earlier voiced its strong opposition to the West Bengal government's mandate, triggering a fresh political debate over the mandatory implementation of the national song.
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Thursday (May 14) announced that singing of Vande Mataram will be made mandatory in all government and government-aided schools in West Bengal from May 18.
Addressing the media, Adhikari said private schools have been requested to adopt the practice and added that a formal notice on the matter will be issued later in the day.
"Vande Mataram will be mandatory in all government and government-aided schools from Monday. In private schools, we have appealed for its inclusion. A formal notice in this regard will be issued today," Adhikari said.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Rijiju is right that Vande Mataram belongs to all Indians. But making it mandatory in schools without consulting religious minorities was unnecessary. Why can't we have voluntary singing and focus on the spirit of the song instead of creating controversy? True nationalism comes from the heart, not from compulsion.
I am proud of Vande Mataram and sing it with full devotion. But I also respect that some of my Muslim brothers and sisters have concerns due to certain verses. The way forward is dialogue, not orders. Let's teach the meaning of the song in schools so everyone understands it's about the motherland, not any deity. 🌸
As someone who has lived in India for work, I've always admired the respect for national symbols here. Vande Mataram's melody is captivating. But forcing it without addressing religious sensitivities seems counterproductive. Maybe a compromise where schools explain its historical context and allow respectful alternatives for those with genuine objections?
I went to a school where we sang both Vande Mataram and the national anthem daily. It never felt religious—it just felt patriotic. The AIMPLB's objection seems overblown, but the government also shouldn't use schools for political point-scoring. Both sides need to chill and remember that India's strength is its diversity.
The real issue is not Vande Mataram itself but the way it's being used. When politicians make it mandatory, they know it will create a divide. Instead of forcing, why not encourage? I sing it with pride, but I would never want anyone to feel pressured. National unity is built on voluntary love,
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.