Kashmiri MP Rejects Calls to Mandate Vande Mataram Singing

Kashmiri MP Rejects Calls to Mandate Vande Mataram Singing
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National Conference MP Agha Syed Ruhullah Mehdi criticised proposals to compel Muslims to sing Vande Mataram during a speech in the Indian Lok Sabha on Monday, Abna24 reported. He said requiring any citizen to sing the national song violates constitutional freedoms and contradicts India’s traditions of pluralism.

Ruhullah stressed that Muslims do not disrespect Vande Mataram, but object to being asked to sing it as a test of loyalty or belonging. He argued that religious identity is deeply personal and permanent, and that pressuring people to conform undermines both religious and individual rights.

Citing a Quranic verse on religious freedom, he reminded lawmakers that the Constitution guarantees citizens the right to practise their faith. The MP accused the government of using the issue to divert attention from unemployment, inflation and governance failures. He concluded by rejecting any attempt to impose the national song on Muslims.