UP Chief Minister's Major Announcement on National Song
In a significant move that has sparked nationwide discussion, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath declared on Monday that singing Vande Mataram will become compulsory in all schools and colleges across the state. The announcement came during a media interaction in Gorakhpur following his participation in an 'Ekta March' celebrating Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's birth anniversary and a community recitation of the national song.
Historical Context and Political Criticism
The Chief Minister strongly criticized recent opposition to the national song, particularly referencing comments from Samajwadi Party's Sambhal MP Zia-ur-Rehman Barq. Adityanath described such resistance as part of a "conspiracy to give birth to a new Jinnah", drawing parallels to Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan.
"This is part of a conspiracy to create new Jinnahs. The country cannot allow a second Jinnah to take birth. If attempts are made to revive Jinnah then such attempts should be buried," the CM asserted during his address to journalists.
Adityanath also targeted the Congress party, making historical allegations that the party's failure to remove Mohammad Ali Jauhar as president in 1923 after he opposed singing Vande Mataram ultimately led to the country's division.
The Rationale Behind the Decision
Explaining the government's position, the Chief Minister emphasized that no individual, caste, or religion is bigger than the country. He stated that while personal faith is important, it must not become an obstacle to national unity and harmony.
"Every school and educational institution in the state should have community recitation of this song. We are going to make singing it compulsory in every school and educational institution in the state so that it generates a feeling of respect among every citizen towards 'Bharat Mata', the motherland," Adityanath elaborated.
The CM highlighted the historical significance of Vande Mataram, noting that the song was sung by freedom fighters during the independence struggle and served as a "mantra for independence." He expressed concern that some groups are now trying to label the song as "communal."
Political Backdrop and Reactions
The announcement comes in response to recent statements by SP MP Zia-ur-Rehman Barq, who declared on Sunday that he has never sung the national song and that this should not question his patriotism. Barq argued that certain words in Vande Mataram conflict with Islamic teachings, making it inappropriate for Muslims to sing.
Adityanath's decision represents the latest development in the ongoing debate about national symbols and their place in educational institutions. The move is expected to have significant implications for educational policy in India's most populous state and may influence similar discussions in other states.
The Chief Minister concluded by stressing the need to prevent anyone from challenging India's unity in the future, reinforcing his commitment to ensuring that "no second Jinnah can take birth to challenge the unity of the country."
