The BJP government's directive mandating the singing of 'Vande Mataram' in madrasas across West Bengal has faced significant opposition from sections of the Muslim community. Religious and community leaders have urged the administration to reconsider the order, marking a notable shift in the community's engagement with the new government.
Community's Earlier Compliance
Previously, the Muslim community had largely accepted recent BJP government directives without public confrontation. Clerics and organizations urged compliance with restrictions on cattle slaughter during Bakrid, cooperated with shifting the major Eid-uz-Zuha congregation from Red Road to Brigade Parade Ground, and supported measures to ensure Friday prayers and other congregations did not spill onto roads or block traffic. The 'Vande Mataram' order, however, has triggered a more vocal response.
Chief Minister's Stance
On Tuesday, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari stated that those who wish to stay in the country must say 'Vande Mataram' and 'Jana Gana Mana' and respect August 15 and January 26. "The recitation of 'Vande Mataram' has been made mandatory in every school. This is Indian culture. This is Sanatan culture. India is known as both Hindustan and India. This country cannot go in anyone else's hands," Adhikari said in Hooghly.
Objections from Religious Leaders
While some madrasas have begun complying, prominent figures have expressed reservations. Imam of Nakhoda Mosque Mohammad Shafique Qasmi, senior cleric Qari Fazlur Rahman, Furfura Sharif cleric Peerzada Abbas Siddique, and leaders of Muslim organizations have argued that certain portions of the song raise theological concerns.
Maulana Mohammad Shafique Qasmi appealed to the government to make the song optional. "It is about the faith of the Muslim community. Muslims love their country, but they only worship Allah and nobody else. In that context, I will request the government to make singing of Vande Mataram optional," Qasmi said.
Qari Fazlur Rahman stated that the issue requires consultation among scholars. "The community has some issues with some stanzas. All the ulemas and religious figures must sit down and make a decision on how to go about it. In my own madrasa, the National Anthem is sung every day," Rahman said.
Historical Context
'Vande Mataram' was written by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay in 1875 and later included in his novel Anandamath in 1882. It played a key role in the nationalist movement.
Community Leaders' Views
Abdul Aziz, secretary of the Milli Ittehad Parishad, said objections were theological, not political. "Muslims of this country love India as much as anybody else, but they have some reservations with 'Vande Mataram', which they view as conflicting with the Islamic principle that worship is due only to Allah. The government must not make it mandatory and have a dialogue with the representatives of the community," Aziz said.
Syed Rahul Amin, secretary of the All India Minority Association and principal of Jamiya Madrasa Mustafa Madania in Kanchanpur, said his organization is examining the matter. "There is no reason to be scared. We have not yet given any directions to our madrasas regarding Vande Mataram," Amin said.
Supreme Court Observation
In March, the Supreme Court refused to entertain a petition challenging a Ministry of Home Affairs circular on singing all stanzas of 'Vande Mataram' in official functions and schools, observing that the circular did not make singing compulsory.
Implementation in Some Madrasas
On the ground, some institutions have implemented the order. Abdur Rouf Dafadar, headmaster of Khosdelpur High Madrasah in Ashoknagar, said: "We have a sound box system at our madrasa. Our female teachers led the song using it, and the kids sang 'Vande Mataram' with them. It is a difficult song, so they found it hard to memorise."
(Inputs from Dipawali Mitra)
