New Delhi, July 28, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The political debate over the proposed Vande Mataram Bill intensified on Tuesday, with the Samajwadi Party (SP) accusing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of using emotionally charged issues for political purposes, while the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) reiterated its opposition to making the National Song’s recitation compulsory.
Samajwadi Party spokesperson Ashutosh Verma said the distinction between the National Anthem and the National Song had been recognised by the framers of the Constitution and should continue to guide public policy.
He alleged that while the BJP was presenting the proposed legislation as a measure linked to national unity and integrity, it was effectively targeting a particular community. Verma also said the guidelines framed when Vande Mataram was accorded the status of the National Song should be taken into consideration before any new legislation is enacted.
SP leader Udaiveer Singh also commented on the controversy, saying AIMIM leader Waris Pathan’s remarks should be viewed in their complete context. He maintained that the constitutional framework governing the National Anthem and the National Song has been followed over the years and continues to guide the country’s functioning.
The latest political exchanges follow comments by AIMIM National Spokesperson Waris Pathan, who said his party respects Vande Mataram but opposes making its recitation mandatory. According to Pathan, while Indian Muslims recite the National Anthem, Jana Gana Mana, with pride, there are portions of Vande Mataram that some Muslims cannot recite due to religious beliefs.
Pathan also referred to the Supreme Court’s position that recitation of Vande Mataram is not mandatory and cited constitutional provisions, including Article 51A, while outlining the party’s stand.
The proposed legislation has once again brought the constitutional and political distinction between India’s National Song and National Anthem into focus, with parties expressing divergent views over whether the singing of Vande Mataram should be made compulsory.
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