AIMIM president and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi has opposed the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026, after it was passed by Parliament. He argued that making the singing of Vande Mataram mandatory violates the constitutional right to freedom of religion.
Speaking after the Bill’s passage, Owaisi said that as a Muslim, he worships only Allah and cannot perform any act that goes against his religious beliefs.
“I am a Muslim, and I worship no one except Allah. If I worship anyone else, I will be acting against my religion,” Owaisi said.
Owaisi distinguishes between Jana Gana Mana and Vande Mataram
Explaining his opposition, Owaisi said there is a clear difference between the national anthem, Jana Gana Mana, and Vande Mataram.
According to him, Jana Gana Mana reflects respect for the nation and its people, whereas Vande Mataram contains elements of devotion to a goddess.
“When Jana Gana Mana is sung, it reflects respect for the country and its people. Vande Mataram, however, contains elements of worship of deities. The two are different in nature and cannot be treated as the same,” he said.
Questions raised over national song status
Owaisi also questioned the status of Vande Mataram as the national song. He claimed that former President Rajendra Prasad made a mistake in 1950 by recognising Vande Mataram as the national song.
He argued that no formal resolution was passed by Parliament on the issue and said the Constitution does not explicitly define the term “national song.”
Cites constitutional provisions
The AIMIM leader alleged that the amendment infringes upon the rights guaranteed under Articles 25, 26 and 29 of the Constitution, which protect religious freedom and cultural rights.
He maintained that no citizen can be compelled to perform an act that conflicts with their religious beliefs.
