Opposition by the NPF to making ‘Vande Mataram’ singing mandatory

Claim that it is an ‘imposed decision’ on a Christian-majority state

Kohima (Nagaland) – The ruling Naga People’s Front (NPF) on Thursday, 5 March 2026 registered a strong opposition to the patriotic song Vande Mataram. The party termed the mandatory recitation of the song in educational institutions and the State Assembly as “forceful imposition”. It claimed that the recitation of the song threatens the religious and cultural identity of Nagaland.

Nagaland People’s Front Opposes Mandatory Singing of 'Vande Mataram'

Allegations of an "Imposed Decision" on a Christian-Majority State

Swami Vivekananda once said, "If a Hindu converts, it is not just a change of religion, but a change of nationality!"

This is exactly what… pic.twitter.com/kkytEHwBsn

— Sanatan Prabhat (@SanatanPrabhat) March 10, 2026

As per reports, the NPF released a press statement from its central headquarters in Kohima, claiming that the move is “alien and unfriendly” to the people of the state, which has a Christian-majority population. The statement added that this will undermine the fundamental rights guaranteed under the Constitution of India.

The NPF, which is an ally of the BJP in the state, described the decision as incompatible with the special constitutional protections granted to the state under Article 371A, which aims to protect the religious and customary practices of the Naga people.

The party also argued that since the state has a majority Christian population, Vande Mataram could conflict with their conscience and faith, as the song has some references to Hindu goddesses. “Forcing citizens to participate in practices that contradict their religious beliefs goes against the spirit of India’s secular framework,” the NPF said. It urged the Union Government to reconsider any move that compels recitation of the song. (The time has come to tell such people that they should move to countries that fit within their own religious framework. – Editor)

Editorial Perspective

Swami Vivekananda had said that when Hindus convert, it also leads to a change in their loyalty to the nation ! The country has been witnessing this repeatedly. Now there is a need to take a strict stand to set such converts right.