Kolkata: A day after the West Bengal government made Vande Mataram mandatory for students in madrasas, the decision drew sharp criticism from several quarters. However, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders and ministers in the state argued that the law of the land must be adhered to by all residents.
Minister's Remarks on Law and Patriotism
State Municipal Affairs Minister Agnimitra Paul on Friday asserted that anyone dissatisfied with the decision could approach the court, but compliance with the law is non-negotiable. "One has to follow the law of the land. You can't say that I am a Muslim and I will not worship Bharat Maa. I will not follow the law of the land," Paul said. She emphasized that legal recourse is available for those unhappy with the state government's decision, but residing in India or West Bengal necessitates adherence to the law.
Vande Mataram as a National Prayer
Describing Vande Mataram as an adulation of the nation as a mother, Paul added, "Vande Mataram is a worship of the country. It is a Vandana (prayer) to the country, which is like our mother. We call Bharat our mother. If you can worship your mother, why can't you worship the country? Our motherland has fed us and protected us all these years."
BJP President's Historical Context
Bengal BJP president Samik Bhattacharya took a different stance, alleging that the song was truncated due to appeasement politics. He referenced historical events, stating, "Muhammad Ali Jinnah had earlier announced that if Vande Mataram is sung, Muslim League will not be part of that. Congress had given up before the pressure of the Muslim League. Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose was not in favour of that. That paved the way for partition of Bengal."
The controversy underscores ongoing debates over national symbols and religious sentiments in educational institutions. While the state government maintains that the move fosters patriotism, critics argue it infringes upon religious freedoms.
