MBT slams Telangana Vande Mataram order, targets AIMIM silence
HYDERABAD: Majlis Bachao Tahreek (MBT) on Monday condemned the Telangana government for issuing fresh orders mandating mass singing of Vande Mataram in its full version, calling the move unconstitutional and violative of secular principles.
Order mandates mass singing in institutions
MBT spokesman Amjed Ullah Khan referred to a General Administration Department memo dated January 24, 2026, directing all educational institutions to organise mass singing of Vande Mataram on January 26.
He said the directive followed an earlier government order issued on November 6, 2025, which made recitation of the song compulsory on November 7, 2025, to mark its 150th anniversary.
‘Forced expression violates faith, Constitution’
Khan said repeated issuance of such orders reflected a “dangerous pattern”. He argued that singing Vande Mataram in its full version conflicted with Islamic beliefs centred on Tawheed, or the oneness of God.
“Patriotism cannot be equated with forced religious or cultural expression. Compelling Muslims to sing Vande Mataram infringes their freedom of religion guaranteed by the Constitution,” he said.
Targets Congress, AIMIM leadership
Khan questioned how a Congress-ruled state could issue what he described as coercive orders. He alleged that the Telangana government was following a path similar to BJP-RSS ideology, undermining secularism and minority confidence.
He also criticised the silence of Asaduddin Owaisi and Akbaruddin Owaisi on both occasions. Khan said AIMIM leaders were campaigning for a Congress candidate during the Jubilee Hills by-election when the earlier order was issued and had remained silent since.
“Silence in such matters amounts to tacit approval. Those who claim to represent Muslims cannot remain mute when core principles are violated,” he added.
Demand to withdraw order
MBT demanded immediate withdrawal of the January 24 memo and urged the government to refrain from issuing similar directives in future. It also called on AIMIM leadership to clarify its stand on both government orders.
Khan said MBT would continue to defend constitutional freedoms, religious conscience and secular values irrespective of political alignments.
