Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Wednesday (3rd June) reiterated his government’s decision to make the singing of the national song, Vande Mataram, mandatory. Speaking to the media, the newly elected Chief Minister said that anyone who wants to live in the country must respect the national song and the national anthem.
“If you want to live in this country, you must say Vande Mataram and Jana Gana Mana, and you must respect 26 January (Republic Day) and 15 August (Independence Day)…” Adhikari said. “The recitation of ‘Vande Mataram’ has been made mandatory in every school… This is Indian culture. This is the Sanatan culture. India is known as both Hindustan and India. This country cannot go into anyone else’s hands,” he added.
#WATCH | Hooghly: West Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari says, "'Desh mein rehna hai toh Vande Mataram, Jana Gana Mana bolna padega, 26 January aur 15 August ka sammaan karna hoga'…"
— ANI (@ANI) June 2, 2026
He says, "The recitation of 'Vande Mataram' has been made mandatory in every school… This is Indian… pic.twitter.com/eJuTOA5WEx
In one of his first decisions after taking charge as the Chief Minister, Adhikari made recitation of Vande Mataram mandatory in all schools and madrassas across West Bengal. As per the order passed by his government, it is now mandatory to sing the full national song during the morning assembly at all schools and madrassas.
The government’s decision was opposed by the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB), which demanded the order to be withdrawn or at least that Muslim students be exempted from it. AIMPLB spokesperson, Dr SQR Ilyas, said that the singing of Vande Mataram was contrary to Islamic beliefs and violated the Fundamental rights of Muslim students.
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju backed the West Bengal government’s decision, saying that it is a national song and should not be politicised. “It does not belong exclusively to me, to you, to any single state, or to any specific religion; it is a national song. There should be absolutely no scope for politicising this issue,” Rijiju said.
