What Did HM Amit Shah Reveal About Disrespect Toward 'Vande Mataram'?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
In a significant move, Home Minister Amit Shah has documented troubling incidents regarding disrespect towards 'Vande Mataram', India's national song. This letter to the Rajya Sabha Chairman reveals nine alarming instances of political conduct that raise questions about national integrity and respect. Discover the details behind these controversies.
Key Takeaways
- Amit Shah documented nine incidents of disrespect towards 'Vande Mataram'.
- Various political parties were involved in these incidents.
- The letter was submitted in the context of the song's 150th anniversary.
- Some refusals to sing the song were based on religious beliefs.
- The Samajwadi Party challenged the mandatory status of the song in schools.
New Delhi, Dec 9 (NationPress) On Tuesday, Home Minister Amit Shah presented a comprehensive factual account in a letter addressed to the Rajya Sabha Chairman C. P. Radhakrishnan, highlighting instances of unacceptable behavior regarding India’s national anthem, 'Vande Mataram'.
This submission followed a discussion in the Rajya Sabha commemorating the 150th anniversary of the song's creation, during which HM Shah brought up these incidents, prompting MP Jairam Ramesh to request verifiable information for the House's records.
Documented on December 9, 2025, this record serves as an official compilation of facts addressing queries raised during the debate. Shah urged the Rajya Sabha Chairman to incorporate these facts into the official records of the Upper House.
The record enumerates nine particular incidents from 2018 to 2025 involving members from various political factions, including the Congress, Samajwadi Party (SP), National Conference (JKNC), and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD). These events are classified under unacceptable conduct related to the national song.
Among the documented incidents, several notable refusals to sing or stand for 'Vande Mataram' were reported, often justified by religious beliefs.
In December 2025, Imran Masood (Congress MP) and Agha Syed Mehdi (National Conference) reportedly declined to sing the anthem, with Masood citing religious conviction.
In 2019, SP's Shafiqur Rahman Barq asserted he would not sing 'Vande Mataram' during his Lok Sabha oath, a stance supported by his grandson, Ziaurrahman Barq (SP), in 2025.
Other significant events include Congress MLA Arif Masood's refusal in 2019 based on religious doctrine.
At a Congress rally in 2018, the anthem was reportedly cut short, with K.C. Venugopal instructing it to be concluded within a single line.
Moreover, in 2022, Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah was reported to have advised party members against singing 'Vande Mataram' during a Constitution Day event.
The record further notes the SP's 2025 demand to annul a directive making the anthem compulsory in schools, alongside RJD MLA Saud Alam's refusal to stand for the song in the Assembly in 2025.
Point of View
It is crucial to uphold the sanctity of national symbols like 'Vande Mataram'. The documented incidents of disrespect underscore a growing divide in political discourse that risks undermining national unity. As a nation, it is essential to foster respect for our collective heritage, transcending individual beliefs for the broader good.
NationPress
09/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Amit Shah's letter to the Rajya Sabha Chairman address?
Amit Shah's letter detailed nine incidents of unacceptable conduct towards India's national song, 'Vande Mataram', highlighting instances from various political parties.
Which parties were involved in the incidents mentioned?
The incidents involved members from the Congress, Samajwadi Party, National Conference, and Rashtriya Janata Dal.
What was the context of the letter's submission?
The letter followed a discussion in the Rajya Sabha commemorating the 150th anniversary of the song's composition.
What reasons did some members give for not singing the song?
Many members cited religious beliefs as reasons for their refusal to sing or stand for 'Vande Mataram'.
What actions did the Samajwadi Party take regarding the song?
In 2025, the Samajwadi Party demanded the cancellation of an order making 'Vande Mataram' mandatory in schools.
