The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has categorically rejected the government’s order to chant all six verses of ‘Vande Mataram’ prior to ‘Jana Gana Mana’ in public and official settings, calling it an assault on secularism and personal faith. This bold opposition comes amid growing debates on nationalism and inclusivity.
General Secretary Maulana Mohammad Fazlur Rahim Mujaddidi’s statement pulls no punches: the lyrics glorify Hindu goddesses, fundamentally opposing Islam’s core belief in the oneness of God. He invoked Tagore’s critique during independence struggles and the Constituent Assembly’s wise decision to adopt only the initial stanzas, avoiding religious discord.
Mujaddidi criticized the timing, suggesting it’s a ploy linked to electoral strategies in West Bengal, and warned against forcing religious elements on unwilling communities. Citing past judicial interventions that curtailed full recitations, he demanded immediate revocation, threatening Supreme Court action to safeguard fundamental rights under Article 25.
Details of the notification reveal a standardized 3-minute-10-second version now compulsory in schools, government ceremonies, and even presidential gatherings, with mandatory standing. As voices rise against perceived majoritarianism, AIMPLB’s resistance underscores the fragile balance India maintains between unity and diversity, potentially setting the stage for landmark legal confrontations.