Abu Azmi’s refusal to recite Vande Mataram sparks political storm in Maharashtra

Maharashtra’s political landscape turns tense as Abu Azmi defends his decision not to recite Vande Mataram, saying faith prevents him from doing so

PGurus Newsdesk

November 7, 2025

SP’s Abu Azmi cites religious reasons for not reciting national song

Samajwadi Party’s Maharashtra President Abu Asim Azmi’s refusal to recite Vande Mataram during the national song’s 150th anniversary celebrations has triggered a major political row in the state, prompting protests by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers outside his Mumbai residence.

The controversy began after Azmi declined an invitation to attend a public recital of Vande Mataram near his residence in Bandra. Mumbai BJP president Ameet Satam had invited the SP leader through a post on X (formerly Twitter), calling the song “an embodiment of nationalism, unity, and inspiration.”

Azmi’s absence from the event drew strong reactions from BJP leaders, who gathered outside his residence on Friday, raising slogans of “Vande Mataram” and “Bharat Mata Ki Jai.” Maharashtra Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar and state minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha were among those present during the demonstration.

Speaking to the media amid the uproar, Azmi defended his decision, citing his religious beliefs.

“You cannot make someone recite something forcefully. Someone who believes only in Allah and does not even worship his mother cannot worship the earth or the sun according to Islam,” he said.

The SP leader added that while he respects Vande Mataram and has no objection to others reciting it, he personally chooses not to.

“Jo padhta hai padhe, kaun mana kar raha hai? (Those who want to recite can do so; who is objecting?) Even many Muslims recite the song, but those who are deeply religious and believe in Allah cannot worship anyone else,” he said.

BJP MLA Raj K. Purohit, who joined the protesters, described the demonstration as “symbolic,” saying that the refusal to recite Vande Mataram reflects a lack of patriotism.

“Vande Mataram should be recited, and the country should be respected. If you don’t have love for the country, then go to Pakistan. You live here and are an MLA here,” Purohit told ANI.

Earlier, Azmi had opposed making Vande Mataram mandatory in schools, arguing that the recital cannot be imposed on citizens as people of different faiths may hold varied views about it.

The Maharashtra government had directed all schools across the state to sing the full version of Vande Mataram between October 31 and November 7 to mark the 150th anniversary of the national song, which was composed by Bankimchandra Chatterji on November 7, 1875.

The controversy over Vande Mataram — which has long been regarded as a symbol of national pride — continues to spark debate over the balance between religious freedom and expressions of patriotism.

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