Party leader Akhtarul Iman opposes the directive, warning of protests in the streets and state assembly
PATNA — A political controversy has erupted in Bihar after reports claimed that a directive mandating the singing of Vande Mataram in educational institutions, leading to strong opposition from the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) in the state.
According to the information, the decision — reportedly linked to a broader central-level announcement — suggests that Vande Mataram should be sung before Jana Gana Mana in schools. The implementation of the directive in Bihar has triggered criticism from opposition leaders.
The Bihar unit of AIMIM has strongly opposed the move, saying it will launch protests both on the streets and inside the state assembly if the decision is not withdrawn.
AIMIM Bihar state president and MLA Akhtarul Iman said the party would resist the order through democratic means.
He said, “We will force the government to withdraw this decision just as earlier directives like Surya Namaskar were taken back after opposition. We will continue our protest from the streets to the assembly.”
He further argued that the policy reflects an attempt to impose cultural practices on communities that do not share the same beliefs.
Akhtarul Iman said, “If the country is being turned into a Hindu Rashtra, the government should openly declare it. Then they can do whatever they want. We will not accept any compulsion in matters of faith.”
He also stated that for many Muslims, singing Vande Mataram is a matter of religious concern, adding that the community follows its own religious principles and does not participate in practices they consider inconsistent with their faith.
He said, “We believe in one God and our worship is only for Him. We cannot be asked to follow any other form of veneration.”
Another AIMIM MLA, Sarwar Alam, also criticised the reported directive and announced wider protests across the state.
He said that the party would mobilise its leaders and representatives to oppose the order at every level.
Sarwar Alam said, “Just as we opposed earlier decisions in schools, we will also oppose this one. Every leader of our party will take this issue to the streets and to the assembly.”
The controversy has sparked debate in political circles across Bihar, with supporters of the decision arguing that it is linked to national unity and cultural tradition, while critics claim it raises questions about religious freedom and constitutional rights.
Officials have not yet issued a detailed clarification regarding the implementation timeline or enforcement mechanism of the reported directive in schools.
The issue is expected to see further political debate in the coming days as opposition parties prepare to raise it in the state legislature.
