West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari said on Saturday that the BJP-led state government has made the singing of ‘Vande Mataram’ mandatory in state schools and recognised madrasas.
Adhikari made the remarks during a programme at the National Library in Kolkata, referring to the government’s education and cultural policies.
The policy was introduced earlier, on May 19, 2026, when the West Bengal Directorate of Madrasah Education issued an order requiring the singing of ‘Vande Mataram’ during morning assembly in recognised madrasas across the state.
The order covers government model madrasas, recognised government aided madrasas, approved MSKs and SSKs, and recognised unaided madrasas.
Debate Over the Decision
- The directive has led to political and public debate. BJP leaders have described the measure as promoting national and patriotic values, while opposition leaders and some Muslim representatives have questioned making the song compulsory in minority educational institutions.
- The discussion also includes concerns regarding religious references in some portions of the song. The first two stanzas of ‘Vande Mataram’ have official national-song status, while debate over the later verses has existed for many years.
- The latest statement by Adhikari appears to be a reaffirmation of an existing state policy rather than the announcement of a new order on September 26.
