Hindu leader Ramgiri Maharaj sparked controversy on January 7, 2025, by claiming that ‘Vande Mataram’ should replace ‘Jana Gana Mana’ as India’s national anthem. The leader made this statement during an event in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar city, Maharashtra, where he was present for the release of the trailer of the upcoming film ‘Mission Ayodhya’.
Ramgiri Maharaj questioned the adoption of ‘Jana Gana Mana’ as the national anthem, citing its origins as a song sung by Rabindranath Tagore in 1911 in front of the British King George V. He argued that at the time, India was not independent and the song was not meant to honour the nation. “This song was sung by Rabindranath Tagore in Kolkata in 1911. The nation was not independent at that time. He sang it in front of George V, who was a British king, committing injustice in India. This song was not sung to address the country,” he stated.
The seer further said that a movement should be launched to make ‘Vande Mataram’ the national anthem. “We will have to launch a struggle for this. ‘Vande Mataram’ should be our national anthem,” Ramgiri Maharaj added.
In response to questions about the controversial nature of his remarks, the seer asserted that his stance was about truth, not disrespect. “If speaking the truth is being termed as disrespect, it is unfortunate,” he said.
Ramgiri Maharaj’s comments have already drawn criticism, with NCP (SP) MLA Jitendra Awhad condemning the statements. “Now the time has come to beat Ramgiri Maharaj with footwear. Now he has an objection to ‘Jana Gana Mana’ also. Then he should demand for a ban (on ‘Jana Gana Mana’),” Awhad said.
This is not the first time the Hindu religious leader has made controversial remarks. Last year, he faced backlash for allegedly making objectionable comments about Prophet Mohammad and Islam, leading to several cases being filed against him in Maharashtra.
