The Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) has referred the Union government’s directive instructing the recital of “Vande Mataram” to its Select Committee amid an intensive debate among legislators. Speaker Sharingain Longkumer confirmed this action, noting that a standing order from the Ministry of Home Affairs requires all legislatures to play “Vande Mataram” before the National Anthem during official functions. This directive had previously raised reservations, highlighted during discussions on the Motion of Thanks to the Governor’s Address, where several members voiced their opposition passionately.
Longkumer emphasized that this matter should be examined in the context of Article 371(A) of the Indian Constitution, which grants Nagaland special provisions regarding the applicability of central laws. The Select Committee will include key members, such as the Minister for Parliamentary Affairs and the Minister for Law and Justice, along with the Advocate General, aiming to address local concerns while upholding regional autonomy.
The contentious debate was further ignited by remarks from Kuzholuzo (Azo) Nienu, an MLA from the Nagaland People’s Front (NPF), who deemed the recitation of “Vande Mataram” unprecedented in his 24-year legislative career. He argued that the directive does not explicitly mention its applicability to legislative assemblies and raised concerns that it could infringe upon the religious rights protected under Article 371(A). Nienu stated, “As Christians, we cannot serve two masters,” directly linking the issue to faith.
In contrast, BJP legislator Temjen Imna Along sought to mitigate tensions by outlining the historical significance of “Vande Mataram,” which emerged during India’s freedom struggle and was recognized as a national song in 1950. He advocated for a respectful interpretation of the song’s place within India’s diverse tapestry, despite concerns over its impact on local religious identities.
Opposition has also been voiced by church bodies, particularly the Nagaland Joint Christian Forum (NJCF), which expressed strong disapproval of the directive. They stated that while they acknowledge the patriotic sentiment of “Vande Mataram,” its mandatory use conflicts with the Christian beliefs predominant in Nagaland. The NJCF underscored the need to uphold secularism as enshrined in the Constitution and warned against imposing lyrics that could contradict religious convictions, particularly among children.
The debate over “Vande Mataram” has attracted renewed national scrutiny coinciding with the song’s 150th anniversary, especially over the Ministry’s push for its full version. Critics cite historical precedents suggesting limited use of only the first two stanzas to avoid references to Hindu deities, a stance supported by influential leaders at the time.
Additionally, Speaker Longkumer welcomed a recent Memorandum of Agreement concerning the Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority, viewing it as a substantial advancement for eastern Nagaland. He mentioned that while the draft hasn’t been formally introduced in the Assembly, it will require legislative action once presented. Regarding the vacant Assembly constituency, he indicated that a by-election announcement from the State Election Commission is forthcoming and may coincide with a by-poll in Tripura, pending a final decision from election authorities.
