A legislator in Nagaland has objected to the compulsory singing of Vande Mataram, calling for an urgent review of a recent directive from the Ministry of Home Affairs in light of the State’s religious composition and Constitutional protections.
Participating in the Motion of Thanks to the Governor’s address in the 60-member Assembly on Tuesday (March 3, 2026), MLA Tseilhoutuo Rhütso raised what he described as “Constitutional and conscientious concerns” arising from the Ministry’s January 28 notification mandating the singing or playing of the National Song across States and Union Territories.
Dr. Rhütso represents the National People’s Party, a member of the National Democratic Alliance led by the Bharatiya Janata Party, from the Kohima Town constituency.
Acknowledging the historical and emotional significance of Vande Mataram in India’s freedom struggle, he questioned the enforceability of the directive in Nagaland, a predominantly Christian State protected under special constitutional provisions.
Dr. Rhütso argued that making the National Song mandatory risks conflating patriotism with uniformity, potentially infringing Articles 25 and 29 of the Constitution of India, which guarantee freedom of religion and protection of cultural rights.
