Respect, not compulsion: AIMIM’s Waris Pathan on ‘Vande Mataram’

AIMIM spokesperson Waris Pathan opposed making the recitation of 'Vande Mataram' compulsory, saying certain lyrics conflict with Islamic beliefs. Citing Article 25, he argued that respecting the national song should not require mandatory recitation and criticised the BJP and RSS

New Delhi: AIMIM spokesperson Warish Pathan on Tuesday opposed any move to make the recitation of ‘Vande Mataram’ compulsory, arguing that while Muslims respect the national song, certain portions of its lyrics cannot be recited by followers of Islam as doing so would conflict with their religious beliefs.

His remarks came after the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026, was introduced in the Rajya Sabha on July 24. The proposed legislation seeks to grant the national song ‘Vande Mataram’ the same legal and statutory protection currently enjoyed by the national anthem.

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Speaking to IANS, Pathan said the AIMIM respects ‘Vande Mataram’, but maintained that there are specific lines in the song that Muslims cannot recite.

“I have always said that we respect Vande Mataram. We honour it. But there are some lines in Vande Mataram which a Muslim cannot recite. If those lines are spoken, it becomes shirk according to Islamic belief. We do not worship anyone other than Allah, nor will we ever; we would rather die than do so. And this is my constitutional right under Article 25, which the Supreme Court has also upheld,” Pathan said.

Questioning what action could be taken against those who choose not to recite the national song, Pathan asserted that respecting the country should not be equated with compulsory recitation and accused the BJP and the RSS of attempting to intimidate people over the issue.

“I respect my nation, but if I do not recite it (Vande Mataram), then what will you do? Hang me? Shoot me? The BJP and RSS have nothing to do but to threaten people,” Pathan added.

Drawing a distinction between the national anthem and the national song, the AIMIM leader said his party fully respects and recites the national anthem but opposed any attempt to compel citizens to recite ‘Vande Mataram’.

“There is a difference between the National Anthem and Vande Mataram. We recite the National Anthem ‘Jana Gana Mana’ with all our heart and soul and respect it. We salute the Tricolour. The Supreme Court has held that the national anthem is mandatory, whereas the national song is not. But if you force something upon us, it would be unconstitutional and against democracy,” the AIMIM spokesperson said.

Pathan further alleged that Muslims are often unfairly labelled as unpatriotic for refusing to recite portions of the national song that they believe conflict with their faith. He also said the sacrifices made by members of the Muslim community during India’s freedom struggle should not be overlooked.

“If a Muslim’s religion is not allowing them to recite these things, then you start making allegations that they are not patriotic, that they are not nationalist. This is completely wrong. Our people have sacrificed their lives for the freedom of this country. Will you not talk about the RSS? How many BJP leaders know Vande Mataram without reading it from a teleprompter?” he said.