West Bengal: Humayun Kabir Fumes At 'Vande Mataram' Directive In Madrasas, Slams BJP

Kolkata: The BJP-led state government under Chief Minister Shuvendu Adhikari has made the singing of 'Vande Mataram' mandatory in all the madrasas of West Bengal. In response, Humayun Kabir—Chairman of the AJUP and the figure behind the construction of a Babri Masjid in West Bengal—has hit back. He categorically stated that 'Vande Mataram' would not be sung in madrasas. He asserted that the government possesses no authority to issue such directives regarding the affairs of madrasas.

What has the West Bengal government done?

The West Bengal Directorate of Madrasa Education has, with immediate effect, made the singing of 'Vande Mataram' mandatory during the prayer assemblies held prior to classes in all government, aided, and recognized madrasas across the state. According to an order issued by the Madrasa Directorate, it is now mandatory for all recognized, aided, and unaided madrasas to sing the national song before classes commence. This order applies to institutions operating under the State Government's Department of Minority Affairs and Madrasa Education.

Prior to this, last week, the West Bengal government had issued an order to all schools falling under the School Education Department, making it mandatory to sing all six stanzas of 'Vande Mataram' during morning assemblies. Students were instructed to sing this national song before the commencement of their daily classes. Chief Minister Shubhendu Adhikari had previously stated in a post: "Superseding previous directives, the Government of West Bengal has, with immediate effect, made it mandatory for all schools under the School Education Department to sing India's national song, 'Vande Mataram,' during school assemblies or morning prayers before classes begin."

Babri fame Humayun Kabir's now challenging to Bengal CM Shubhendu Adhikari & Hindus😭

—The cow will also be sacrificed.
—I will also pray namaz on the roads
—We are Muslims, stop us if you can.
Whatever it’s written in Quran, we will go it. pic.twitter.com/7d0QnyQRRl

— Bhakt Prahlad🚩 (@RakeshKishore_l) May 20, 2026

What did the Kolkata Khilafat Committee say?

Meanwhile, commenting on the matter, Mohammed Ashraf Ali Kasmi, Chief of the Kolkata Khilafat Committee, stated, “I have said before that the government should not function on the basis of any religion. Its duty is to ensure the development of its citizens and provide us with employment. We do not assert that 'Vande Mataram' should not be sung; however, imposing it upon Muslims is wrong, as certain lines within the song are contrary to our religious beliefs... We appeal to the West Bengal government to withdraw this decision. We state very clearly that we reside in this very country and we love it, but we do not worship this country. Muslims offer their worship solely to the one and only Allah.”