The Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) has sent the Union government’s directive for the recital of “Vande Mataram” to its Select Committee for review, amid intense debates among legislators. Speaker Sharingain Longkumer indicated that the Ministry of Home Affairs ordered state assemblies to play “Vande Mataram” prior to the National Anthem at official functions, prompting considerable opposition expressed during the Assembly session, particularly when discussing the Motion of Thanks to the Governor’s Address.
Elected representatives, including Kuzholuzo (Azo) Nienu from the Nagaland People’s Front (NPF), criticized the directive as unprecedented and an imposition on local faith, citing Article 371(A) which preserves Naga religious practices. While some legislators voiced strong dissent, Temjen Imna Along of the BJP urged a respectful understanding of the song’s historical context, highlighting its significance in India’s freedom struggle.
The Nagaland Joint Christian Forum (NJCF) has also opposed the directive, expressing concerns that it conflicts with Christian beliefs, asserting that Nagaland’s Christian-majority status should be respected, and arguing that the National Anthem alone suffices for national unity. They called for the Government of India to reconsider the directive in defense of religious freedoms.
Additionally, this national debate has re-emerged around the song’s 150th anniversary, with discussions over the historical recommendations that limited official use to specific stanzas to avoid religious references. Speaker Longkumer welcomed a recent Memorandum of Agreement concerning the Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority, suggesting it reflects positive developments for eastern Nagaland, and noted a forthcoming by-election for a vacant Assembly seat may coincide with elections in Tripura.
