Archive · 26 Aug 2026
Owaisi Attacks BJP Over Vande Mataram Controversy
Asaduddin Owaisi criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP during a speech in Hyderabad.
The argument was about how people should treat the song Vande Mataram.
Owaisi said Gandhi, Subhas Chandra Bose and Rabindranath Tagore supported singing only its first two stanzas.
He asked whether Modi was more knowledgeable or patriotic than those leaders.
Owaisi said people should not be forced to prove their patriotism by singing a particular version of the song.
He also said he worships only God, not the nation as a deity.
He pointed to the Constitution’s words, “We, the People of India.”
The Centre has given Vande Mataram legal protection similar to that given to the national anthem.
The BJP supports the full legacy of the song.
Asaduddin Owaisi questioned whether Prime Minister Narendra Modi was more intellectual or patriotic than Gandhi, Bose and Tagore.
Owaisi said the three historical figures supported singing only the first two stanzas of Vande Mataram.
He argued that patriotism cannot be imposed through worship of India or by requiring a particular version of the song.
Owaisi cited the Constitution’s phrase “We, the People of India” to stress equal citizenship across faiths.
The Centre has extended statutory protection to Vande Mataram, while the BJP has defended the song’s full legacy.
- Who
- AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the BJP, and historical figures Mahatma Gandhi, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and Rabindranath Tagore.
- What
- Owaisi criticized efforts to give the full version of Vande Mataram greater official and legal significance and rejected forced displays of patriotism.
- When
- During an ongoing political dispute and the 150-year commemoration of Vande Mataram; Owaisi made the remarks at a Milad-un-Nabi meeting.
- Where
- Hyderabad.
- Why
- Owaisi argued that patriotism cannot be measured by worshipping the country or singing a particular version of Vande Mataram, and that India belongs equally to citizens of all faiths.
Owaisi’s Position
Government And BJP Position
Official status of the full song
Owaisi’s Position
Owaisi opposed efforts to give the full version of Vande Mataram greater legal and official significance, citing the historical positions he attributed to Gandhi, Bose and Tagore.
Government And BJP Position
The Centre has extended statutory protection to Vande Mataram, and the BJP has defended the full legacy of the song.
Patriotism and national symbols
Owaisi’s Position
Owaisi said patriotism cannot be forced or judged by whether someone worships India or sings a particular version of Vande Mataram.
Government And BJP Position
The government’s protection of the song and promotion of its full version reflect its stated effort to preserve the song’s national significance.
Religion and citizenship
Owaisi’s Position
Owaisi emphasized that India includes people of different faiths, said he worships only the Creator, and invoked “We, the People of India” to stress equal citizenship.
Government And BJP Position
The article does not provide a direct BJP or government response to Owaisi’s religious and constitutional arguments.
- Speaker
- Asaduddin Owaisi, chief of the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM).
- Location
- Hyderabad.
- Song at issue
- Vande Mataram.
- Historical position cited
- Owaisi claimed Gandhi, Bose and Tagore supported singing only the first two stanzas.
- Government action
- The Centre extended statutory protection to Vande Mataram under the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) framework.
- Commemoration
- The full version of Vande Mataram is being promoted during its 150-year commemoration.
- Constitutional reference
- Owaisi cited the Preamble’s opening words, “We, the People of India.”