Nagaland Deputy CM says Vande Mataram singing will not be compulsory

Nagaland Deputy Chief Minister Y. Patton has stated that the state government will not force individuals to sing the national song, Vande Mataram. This response follows a central government directive making the singing of all six stanzas of the song mandatory during school assemblies and official government programs.

The directive has faced significant opposition from various Naga civil society organizations, including the Naga Students’ Federation and the Nagaland Baptist Church Council. Critics have expressed concerns that the song’s devotional content may conflict with the religious beliefs of the state’s Christian-majority population and could impact the constitutional safeguards provided under Article 371(A).

Patton clarified that participation should remain a matter of individual choice, stating, “Nobody is forced to sing, and nobody will be asked to sing, and nobody can stop anyone from singing.” He indicated that the matter is expected to be discussed during the upcoming Ninth session of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly, scheduled to begin on September 1.