Senior Muslim leader and Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind president Arshad Madani has strongly criticised the Union government’s new guidelines making the full version of the national song “Vande Mataram” mandatory at official programmes, calling it an attack on religious freedom and constitutional rights of minorities.
In a statement posted on social media, Madani said the government’s decision to enforce all six stanzas of “Vande Mataram” in government events, schools, colleges and public functions was “unilateral and coercive” and violated the Constitution of India. He said the move directly infringes on the freedom of religion guaranteed under Article 25.
“Muslims do not stop anyone from singing or playing ‘Vande Mataram’. But some verses of the song describe the homeland as a deity, which goes against the core belief of monotheistic religions,” Madani said. “A Muslim worships only one Allah, and forcing him to sing verses that contradict this belief is a clear violation of the Constitution and several Supreme Court judgments.”
Madani alleged that the decision was not driven by patriotism but by political motives. “This is not about love for the country. It reflects electoral politics, a sectarian agenda and an attempt to divert public attention from real issues,” he said. He added that true patriotism is shown through character, sacrifice and service to the nation, pointing to the role of Muslims and the Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind in India’s freedom struggle.
Warning that such decisions could harm social harmony, Madani said, “Making ‘Vande Mataram’ compulsory weakens peace, unity and democratic values. It undermines the spirit of the Constitution.” He reiterated that while Muslims may endure discrimination, they cannot accept being forced to associate partners with God. “This is a direct assault on religious freedom and democratic principles,” he said.
Madani’s remarks came after the Union Home Ministry issued fresh guidelines on the singing of “Vande Mataram”. According to the new rules, all six stanzas of the national song must be sung at official events, and the audience is required to stand in respect.
The Home Ministry said that the full version of “Vande Mataram”, which lasts three minutes and ten seconds, will now be used for ceremonial occasions. The four stanzas included in this version were removed in 1937 and have now been restored for official use.
The guidelines also state that when “Vande Mataram” and the national anthem “Jana Gana Mana” are performed together, the national song should be sung first. “Whenever the official version of the national song is sung or played, the audience shall stand to attention,” the Ministry said.
However, the Ministry added that people are not expected to stand during newsreels or documentaries where the song is played, as this could cause confusion and disrupt viewing.
