'Vande Mataram' recitation order at events: Imam body head reacts
Sajid Rashidi, head of the All India Imam Association, is pushing back against a government order to recite all six stanzas of "Vande Mataram" at official events.
He feels some lines—especially those calling India "Maa Durga" and "Maa Saraswati"—clash with Muslim beliefs.
"Muslims can give their lives but not compromise with their devotion," he said, making it clear he won't recite those parts even under pressure.
Rashidi pointed out that the song has remained a point of controversy since 1937, and that leaders such as Abul Kalam Azad and Hussain Ahmed Madani had written to Congress, which subsequently passed a resolution removing those lines.
He also cited a Supreme Court ruling
Rashidi highlighted a 2016 Supreme Court ruling that says you're not a traitor if you don't stand for "Vande Mataram," framing it as a matter of personal freedom and belief.
Rashidi has often spoken out on Muslim issues
Rashidi often speaks out on Muslim issues and has clashed with the government before—calling RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat's Hindu Rashtra remarks "laughable" and criticizing anti-Muslim bills.
He's no stranger to controversy, but says he's standing up for what he believes in.