West Bengal’s Mandatory ‘Vande Mataram’ Order in Madrasas Triggers Political Storm
Kolkata, May 22 (BNP): A political controversy has erupted in West Bengal after the state government made the singing of Vande Mataram compulsory in all recognised madrasas across the state. The directive, issued by the Directorate of Madrasa Education, mandates that the national song be sung during morning assembly prayers before classes begin in institutions functioning under the Minority Affairs and Madrasa Education Department.
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The order applies to government model madrasas, government-aided institutions, approved Shishu Shiksha Kendras, Madhyamik Shiksha Kendras, and recognised unaided madrasas. The move comes nearly a week after the state government extended a similar mandate to schools, making Vande Mataram part of morning assemblies across educational institutions. Officials said the directive has been approved for immediate implementation as part of efforts to introduce uniformity in assembly practices and promote patriotic values among students.
The decision has sparked sharp reactions from opposition parties and sections of civil society, with critics alleging that educational institutions are being drawn into political debates. Several leaders questioned the timing and intent of the order, arguing that consultations with madrasa authorities and educators could have preceded such a move.
Reacting to the criticism, Samik Bhattacharya defended the government’s decision and rejected allegations of communal polarisation. “Vande Mataram and madrasas have no conflict. This is not about Hindu-Muslim politics. The slogan has historically been used across political traditions, including by the Congress during the freedom movement,” he said while backing the directive.
Written by novelist Bankim Chandra Chatterjee, Vande Mataram played a prominent role during India’s freedom struggle and remains a symbol of patriotism, while also periodically emerging as a subject of political and ideological debate in public life.