Last Updated on February 13, 2026 7:31 pm by INDIAN AWAAZ
AMN / NEW DELHI
The Welfare Party of India has strongly criticized the Modi government’s decision to impose the singing of the entire Vande Mataram song across the country.
Dr. SQR Ilyas, National General Secretary of the Welfare Party of India, questioned the timing of the move, noting that it coincides with the upcoming Bengal elections. He warned the government against “playing divisive politics by inciting Bengali Hindus and exploiting the situation.”
Dr. Ilyas urged the government to uphold the earlier consensus, limiting the singing of Vande Mataram to its first two stanzas, as decided by the Indian National Congress in 1937. He explained that this decision was a thoughtful response to concerns from religious groups who found the song’s imagery — depicting the motherland as goddess Bhavani — incompatible with their beliefs.
Calling the imposition “unconstitutional” and a violation of Article 14 (Right to Equality) and Article 25 (Right to Freedom of Religion), Dr. Ilyas emphasized that India, as a secular nation, must respect the sentiments of all citizens. He warned that enforcing the entire song could exacerbate communal tensions and undermine national unity.
The Welfare Party demanded that the government withdraw its decision immediately and focus instead on pressing issues facing the nation, rather than using cultural symbols for political gain.