Guwahati: All India United Democratic Front leader Rafiqul Islam wants the national song kept voluntary. He pushed back against recent calls to make singing Vande Mataram compulsory for all citizens. Islam argues that forcing the anthem violates personal religious practices.
The debate centers on specific lyrics within the song. Some stanzas include references to worship and adoration that clash with Islamic doctrine. Muslims bow only before Allah. Islam stated, "Those who wish to sing Vande Mataram out of choice may certainly do so. We have no objection to that. But it should not be forcibly imposed on those who do not wish to sing it."
He believes the government must respect different faiths. Hindus hold the right to worship their deities, but that belief system cannot be forced on others. One person's faith cannot dictate the actions of another. Islam asked officials to keep the song as a matter of individual choice instead of a mandate.
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