New Delhi: The All India Muslim Personal Law Board has strongly rejected the decision of the Union Cabinet to accord “Vande Mataram” a status equal to the National Anthem “Jana Gana Mana,” to make all six stanzas of the song compulsory, and to mandate its recitation before the National Anthem in all government and educational institutions. The Board has termed the move a direct violation of the basic spirit of the Constitution of India, religious freedom, secular values, and the historic decisions of the Constituent Assembly, and has demanded that the Government immediately withdraw this decision.
In a press statement, the spokesperson of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board, Dr. S. Q. R. Ilyas, said that the Cabinet’s decision is not only unconstitutional and undemocratic, but also contrary to the religious and cultural diversity and constitutional ethos of the country. He stated that a secular state cannot impose the religious concepts or beliefs of one community upon all citizens by force. Several stanzas of “Vande Mataram” contain invocations and glorification of Goddess Durga and other deities, which are in direct conflict with the Islamic doctrine of Tawheed (the absolute oneness of God). Islam permits worship only of Allah, the One without partner, and does not accept any form of shirk (associating partners with God).
Dr. Ilyas further pointed out that in 1937, following the advice of Rabindranath Tagore, the Congress had itself decided that only the first two stanzas of “Vande Mataram” should be used, since the later stanzas were religious in character and could not be acceptable to all sections of society. Keeping this reality in view, the Constituent Assembly in 1950 also accepted only the first two stanzas as the National Song. In such a situation, making all six stanzas compulsory is not only a departure from the historical consensus but also a dangerous and provocative step.
He further stated that the unity and integrity of the country cannot be strengthened through coercion, enforced uniformity, or religious majoritarianism, but only through adherence to the Constitution, mutual respect, and the protection of religious freedom. The government must refrain from exploiting sensitive religious issues for political purposes and avoid decisions that undermine communal harmony and national cohesion.
The Board made it clear that if the government does not immediately withdraw this decision, the All India Muslim Personal Law Board will be compelled to challenge it in court.
