Explained: This article explains the political background, key decisions, and possible outcomes related to Explained : Vande Mataram Violates Constitution, Not Patriotism But Politics and Its Impact and why it matters right now.
Maulana Arshad Madani has opposed making Vande Mataram mandatory.
In Saharanpur, the organization’s president Maulana Arshad Madani said Muslims do not prevent anyone from singing or playing Vande Mataram, but some verses depict the motherland as a deity.
“We cannot sing this song because we worship only Allah. Including anyone else in our worship goes against our beliefs. Making Vande Mataram mandatory is a direct attack on the spirit of the Constitution, religious freedom, and democratic values,” he said.
On social media platform X, he added that forcing a Muslim to sing the song violates Article 25 of the Constitution and multiple Supreme Court rulings.
Mandating the song is not a demonstration of patriotism but a political, communal agenda aimed at diverting attention from core issues.
The central government on Thursday issued an order making it mandatory to give Vande Mataram the same respect as the national anthem, “Jana Gana Mana.” All six stanzas of the song, totaling 3 minutes and 10 seconds, are to be sung, whereas previously only the first two stanzas were performed.
Maulana Madani’s key points:
True patriotism shown through sacrifice Love for the nation is measured not in slogans but through deeds and sacrifice. Historic examples of Muslim participation and Jamiyat Ulema-e-Hind’s struggles illustrate this. Such orders weaken peace, unity, democratic values, and the spirit of the Constitution.
Direct attack on democratic principles Making Vande Mataram mandatory is an open attack on the Constitution, religious freedom, and democratic principles. One stanza addresses the nation as Goddess Durga, using worship words that conflict with Muslim religious beliefs.
No certificate needed to prove patriotism The Supreme Court has ruled that no citizen can be forced to sing the national song or anthem against their religious beliefs. Patriotism and worship are separate. Muslims do not need any certificate to prove their love for the country.
Muslim contribution to independence Jamiyat leaders played a key role in opposing the Partition. Post-independence, their efforts to maintain the nation’s unity remain significant. According to Madani, the government deliberately raises such controversies to distract from inflation, unemployment, and other core issues, which is not patriotism but politics to retain power.
Decision to sing only two stanzas historically Citing historical records, Madani noted that on 26 October 1937, Rabindranath Tagore advised Jawaharlal Nehru to accept only the first two stanzas of Vande Mataram as the national song, as the remaining lines conflicted with monotheistic beliefs. The Congress Working Committee agreed on 19 October 1937, and Parliament discussions reinforced this view. The current attempt seeks to make the entire song compulsory.
Standing protocol for Vande Mataram New guidelines require everyone to stand during Vande Mataram at official events, schools, and formal occasions. The order was issued on 28 January, reported in media on 11 February.
PTI reports that when Vande Mataram and Jana Gana Mana are performed together, Vande Mataram comes first, with all present standing at attention. While a complete list of occasions is not specified, it is the first time detailed protocol has been issued.
Occasions include presidential arrival, flag hoisting The song will be mandatory at flag hoisting, presidential and gubernatorial arrivals, speeches, and other official ceremonies. It can also be sung collectively at non-formal events with ministers or key dignitaries, provided respect and decorum are maintained.
Civilian award ceremonies, including Padma awards, with presidential presence, will also feature Vande Mataram.
Parade tableau at Republic Day 2026 Delhi’s Kartavya Path hosted the 77th Republic Day parade with Vande Mataram as the theme. The Culture Ministry presented a tableau celebrating the song’s 150th anniversary, winning the Best Tableau award.
The tableau included Tagore’s composition, colonial-era recordings by a famous Marathi singer, and a Gen Z group performing the song. The lower panel displayed Tagore’s image, and the central section featured performers in traditional attire representing India’s cultural diversity.