The All India Muslim Personal Law Board has strongly opposed the Central government’s notification mandating the recitation of all verses of Vande Mataram at official programmes and in educational institutions, calling the move unconstitutional and unacceptable for Muslims.
In a statement issued in New Delhi on February 12, 2026, the Board said the decision violates the freedom of religion guaranteed under the Constitution and goes against India’s secular values. The notification requires all stanzas of Vande Mataram to be recited before the National Anthem Jana Gana Mana at official functions and in schools.
AIMPLB General Secretary Maulana Mohammed Fazlur Rahim Mujaddidi said the decision directly conflicts with the religious beliefs of Muslims and ignores constitutional safeguards. “This decision is unconstitutional, against religious freedom and secular values, and contrary to Supreme Court judgments. Therefore, it is completely unacceptable to Muslims,” he said.
The Maulana recalled that during the freedom movement and deliberations in the Constituent Assembly, it was agreed that only the first two stanzas of Vande Mataram would be used, following the advice of Rabindranath Tagore. He said a secular government cannot impose the beliefs of one religion on followers of another.
He also pointed out that the song was written in a specific historical and cultural context and contains references to the worship and veneration of Durga and other deities. “A Muslim worships only one God, Allah, without any partners. Islam does not allow associating partners with God. Any decision that forces such an act is against our faith,” Mujaddidi said.
The AIMPLB stated that Indian courts have previously held that the remaining verses of the song are inconsistent with secular principles and have restricted their recitation. The Board said the government’s move disregards these legal positions and raises serious constitutional concerns.
Questioning the timing of the decision ahead of elections in West Bengal, the Board said political considerations cannot override religious freedom. It warned that such steps could harm social harmony and undermine the spirit of the Constitution.
“The Central government must immediately withdraw this notification. If it is not withdrawn, the All India Muslim Personal Law Board will be left with no option but to challenge it in court,” Mujaddidi said.
