UP CM’s Remarks on Vande Mataram and Babar Draw Sharp Reactions After Centre’s Directive on Singing All Six Stanzas
Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Friday sparked a political controversy by stating that those who respect Babar and oppose Vande Mataram “have no right to reside in India.”
The remarks came amid a debate over a directive mandating the singing of all six stanzas of Vande Mataram during government programmes and in schools. Several Muslim organisations have voiced opposition to the move, calling it unconstitutional and against religious freedom.
‘No Right to Live on Indian Soil’
Addressing a public gathering in Lucknow, the Chief Minister said that those who oppose Vande Mataram should introspect.
“Those who respect Babar and oppose Vande Mataram do not deserve to be in India. Those who oppose Vande Mataram have no right to live on Indian soil,” Yogi Adityanath said.
He alleged that some groups pay homage to historical figures like Babar but object to singing Vande Mataram. He also made references to visits to graves of certain controversial figures and criticised what he described as selective opposition to cultural symbols.
Centre’s Directive on Vande Mataram
The controversy follows new guidelines reportedly issued by the Union Home Ministry making it mandatory to sing all six stanzas of Vande Mataram at government functions and in educational institutions. The directive also states that participants should stand while the song is sung or played and that the six stanzas should be rendered for approximately 3 minutes and 10 seconds before the national anthem.
However, no separate official gazette notification was immediately available in the public domain at the time of filing this report.
Opposition and Religious Groups React
The Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind strongly objected to the directive, terming it “unilateral” and “autocratic.” The organisation described the move as an attack on religious freedom guaranteed by the Constitution.
Political parties, including the Samajwadi Party and the Indian National Congress, have also criticised the state government on various cultural and developmental issues mentioned in the Chief Minister’s speech.
References to Ram Mandir and Historical Figures
During his address, the Chief Minister also referred to the development of the Ram Mandir, the Kashi Vishwanath corridor and projects in Mathura, alleging that these initiatives were opposed by rival parties. He further mentioned the construction of a memorial for Raja Suheldev and the works carried out in the name of Lokmata Ahilyabai Holkar.
Yogi Adityanath said the recently tabled state Economic Survey represents a “new era of development” for Uttar Pradesh and reflects structural reforms undertaken by the government.
On the Other hand, constitutional experts and civil rights advocates have called for calm dialogue, highlighting that patriotism and constitutional rights must coexist within the framework of democratic values and freedom of belief.
