Muslim Personal Law Board objects to Govt’s mandate on Vande Mataram recitation

All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) on Thursday (February 12, 2026) objected to the Union government’s directions that mandate the recitation of six verses of Vande Mataram at official functions and in schools before the national anthem — Jana Gana Mana.

Describing the move as “unconstitutional and contrary to religious freedom” the Board, in a statement, maintained that it directly conflicts with the religious beliefs of Muslims.

The Board’s general secretary, Maulana Mohammed Fazlur Rahim Mujaddidi, noted that following Rabindranath Tagore’s advice and deliberations in the Constituent Assembly, it was agreed that only the first two stanzas of Vande Mataram would be used. He opined that a secular Government cannot impose the beliefs or teachings of one religion upon followers of other religions. The song, he stated, was composed in the context of Bengal and contains references to the worship and veneration of Durga and other deities, adding that Muslims believe in one god.

The AIMPLB stated that if the Union Government’s notification is not withdrawn, they would challenge it in courts of law.