Nagaland MLA seeks review of MHA Order on Vande Mataram, cites Constitutional safeguards

Guwahati: A constitutional debate surfaced in the Nagaland Legislative Assembly after MLA Dr Tseilhoutuo Rhütso objected to the compulsory singing of Vande Mataram under a January 28, 2026 directive issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).

He sought an urgent review, citing Nagaland’s special constitutional safeguards.Speaking during the Motion of Thanks to the Governor’s Address in the Eighth Session, the 9 A/C Kohima Town legislator endorsed the government’s development agenda.

However, he flagged “constitutional and conscientious concerns” over the mandate to sing or play the National Song across States and Union Territories.While acknowledging the song’s role in the freedom movement, Dr Rhütso questioned its enforceability in Nagaland.

He noted that the state is Christian-majority and protected under special constitutional provisions.

Therefore, he argued that making the song mandatory risks infringing Articles 25 and 29, which safeguard religious freedom and cultural rights.“Patriotism in Nagaland is evident in service and integrity. It need not be measured by a compelled hymn,” he said.

The song was composed by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee and published in his 1882 novel Anandamath. However, due to religious references in later verses, leaders adopted only the first two stanzas as the National Song in 1950.

On the same day, authorities adopted Jana Gana Mana as the National Anthem.Citing a 1986 observation of the Supreme Court of India, he said singing Vande Mataram is not compulsory. Therefore, forcing individuals to do so would violate Article 25(1). He also invoked Article 371A, which protects Nagaland’s religious and customary practices.

Hence, he maintained that mandatory recitation especially of all six stanzas would conflict with the state’s constitutional safeguards.Dr Rhütso, however, reaffirmed support for the Governor’s Address and the state government.

At the same time, he called for an inclusive and secular understanding of patriotism.“A secular India is a vibrant India. No citizen must pray to a particular deity to prove love for the motherland,” he said.