Vande Mataram controversy erupts in West Bengal after BJP government makes singing compulsory in madrasas. Humayun Kabir and Muslim organizations oppose the order, calling it religious interference.
Qalam Times News Network
Kolkata | May 21, 2026
Vande Mataram has become the center of a fresh political and religious controversy in West Bengal after the newly formed BJP government led by Suvendu Adhikari ordered all madrasas in the state to make the singing of the national song compulsory during morning prayers. The directive, issued on Wednesday by the state’s Madrasa Education Directorate, has triggered sharp reactions from Muslim leaders and religious organizations across Bengal.
Reacting strongly to the decision, Humayun Kabir declared on Thursday that Vande Mataram would not be sung in madrasas under any circumstances. He accused the government of interfering in religious educational institutions and said authorities have no right to dictate religious practices inside madrasas.
Muslim Organizations Object to Mandatory Order
Several Muslim organizations have also opposed the directive. Kolkata Khilafat Committee chief Mohammad Ashraf Ali Qasmi stated that governments should not take decisions based on religion or impose practices on any community. According to him, Muslims love their country deeply, but worship is reserved only for Allah.
He further argued that certain lines in Vande Mataram conflict with Islamic beliefs and therefore cannot be forced upon the Muslim community. Religious leaders have demanded that the Bengal government immediately withdraw the notification.
Government Says Move Aims to Promote Patriotism
The Bengal government, however, defended the decision, saying the purpose behind compulsory singing of the national song is to strengthen patriotism, discipline, and national unity among students. Officials clarified that the order applies to all recognized, government-aided, and non-aided madrasas functioning under the Minority Affairs and Madrasa Education Department.
The directive states that Vande Mataram must be sung during morning assemblies before classes begin and that the order comes into effect immediately. Earlier, the state government had issued similar instructions for government schools as well.
Debate Intensifies Across Bengal
The controversy has quickly turned into a major political debate in West Bengal, with opposition groups accusing the BJP government of trying to polarize society through religious issues. Supporters of the decision argue that singing the national song is a symbol of respect toward the nation and should not be viewed through a religious lens.
Critics, however, insist that forcing religious institutions to adopt practices against their beliefs could deepen communal tensions in the state.
Humayun Kabir Also Reacts to Sacrifice Restrictions
During his remarks, Humayun Kabir also reacted strongly to recent restrictions on public animal sacrifice and open-air prayers in Bengal. He stated that the Muslim community would not compromise on the issue of Qurbani and claimed that animal sacrifice would continue regardless of government pressure.
His remarks have further intensified the already heated political atmosphere ahead of Eid-ul-Azha in the state.
