UP’s ‘Vande Mataram’ Order Sparks Controversy; Muslim Cleric Calls for School Boycott
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s directive to make ‘Vande Mataram’ mandatory in all schools faces strong opposition from Muslim leaders citing religious freedom.
LUCKNOW — Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s announcement making the recitation of Vande Mataram compulsory in all schools and colleges has triggered a major political and religious debate across the country.
Speaking in Gorakhpur during an “Ekta Yatra” and Vande Mataram singing event on Monday, the Chief Minister said that every student should sing the national song as a gesture of respect toward the motherland. He added that the move was meant to encourage patriotism and unity among young citizens.
However, the declaration drew sharp criticism from several Muslim scholars and community leaders, who called it an infringement on religious freedom. Maulana Haleem Ullah Qasmi, President of Jamiat Ulema-e-Maharashtra, condemned the order and urged Muslim parents to withdraw their children from schools that enforce it.
“The Constitution guarantees every citizen the right to practice their faith freely,” Qasmi told IANS. “In Islam, only Allah is to be worshipped. Singing or venerating anything else goes against our belief.” He claimed the move was less about patriotism and more about “pressuring and provoking” the Muslim community.
“Our children will not sing Vande Mataram. If the government insists, we will remove them from schools,” he said, stressing that Muslims have always shown loyalty and respect to India but will not compromise their faith.
Qasmi also recalled a previous controversy when the Uttar Pradesh government attempted to make Surya Namaskar compulsory in schools. “At that time, Maulana Ali Miyan Nadwi had urged Muslims to withdraw their children. I am repeating the same advice now—better to remain uneducated than lose faith,” he said.
The Vande Mataram debate has long been a sensitive one, as parts of the song are seen by some Muslims as conflicting with monotheistic teachings. While the national song holds official status, it is distinct from the national anthem, Jana Gana Mana. The Supreme Court has previously ruled that no citizen can be compelled to sing patriotic songs if it violates their conscience.
As of now, the Uttar Pradesh government has not issued a formal notification explaining how the new rule will be implemented. Yet, the Chief Minister’s remarks have already reignited a nationwide discussion on patriotism, faith, and constitutional rights.
