The Prevention of Insults of National Honor (Amendment) Bill, 2026, popularly referred to as the Vande Mataram Bill, was passed by the Rajya Sabha on July 29, 2026. The legislation has triggered mixed reactions, with several Hindu religious leaders welcoming the move while some Muslim leaders voiced objections.
Religious leaders from Mathura praised the passage of the Bill, calling it a matter of national pride. However, leaders from sections of the Muslim community expressed concerns, saying they were unhappy with the legislation.
Hindu saints welcome the Bill
Mathura-based Swami Sachchidanand Maharaj, Chitragupta Peethadhishwar, welcomed the Bill and reacted strongly to reports of opposition from some Muslim leaders.
Addressing the issue, he said, “I want to tell all the Muslims of the country that there should be no problem in saying ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’ and ‘Vande Mataram’ because you are Indians. This is India, and Sharia law will not work here. If someone likes Pakistan or Bangladesh, they can move there. If you want to live in India, you must say ‘Vande Mataram’ and ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’. This country belongs to everyone.”
His remarks came amid the ongoing debate over whether singing or chanting Vande Mataram should be made mandatory under the amended law.
Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi Trust president backs legislation
Dinesh Falahari, president of the Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi Sangharsh Trust, also welcomed the Bill and described its passage as a long-awaited development.
“This is a Bill that people have been waiting for. Today it has finally been passed. It is a proud moment for the people of India,” he said.
Referring to reported opposition from some Muslim clerics, Falahari added, “It is unfortunate that some Maulanas are saying they would rather die than sing ‘Vande Mataram’. If someone wants to live in India, they should say ‘Vande Mataram’. If you want to stay in this country, you have to respect it.”
Muslim leaders express objections
While Hindu religious leaders celebrated the passage of the Bill, leaders from sections of the Muslim community voiced their opposition.
According to reports, Rahnumas of the Muslim community and Siraj Khan, president of the Mumbai unit of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, expressed dissatisfaction with the legislation and objected to its provisions. They said they were unhappy with the Bill, although detailed statements from them were not immediately available.
