New Delhi: AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi on Thursday, July 30, criticised the Centre over Parliament’s passage of the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026, questioning the constitutional basis for giving the national song “Vande Mataram” the same honour as the National Anthem.
The Lok Sabha passed the Bill by voice vote on Thursday after a brief discussion. The Rajya Sabha had cleared the legislation a day earlier. The passage took place amid disruptions by Opposition MPs over the Ram Mandir donation row and police action against student protesters.
Owaisi Questions Constitutional Basis of Vande Mataram Bill
Speaking to reporters outside Parliament, Owaisi argued that the National Anthem and National Song have different meanings and significance. He contrasted “Jana Gana Mana” with “Vande Mataram” while explaining his objection to the legislation.
“When you sing ‘Jana Gana Mana’, what do you see in it? You see this country and its people. When you sing ‘Vande Mataram’, it involves the worship of gods and goddesses.”
Owaisi also referred to freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives during India’s independence struggle and questioned how the distinction between the National Anthem and National Song should be understood in that context.
He argued that “Jana Gana Mana” was written for the people and maintained that “Vande Mataram” carries a different religious connotation.
Owaisi Raises Questions Over National Song Status
The AIMIM MP also questioned the manner in which “Vande Mataram” came to be recognised as the National Song. He said he believed former President Rajendra Prasad made a mistake in 1950 by declaring it the National Song without a formal resolution.
“I believe Rajendra Prasad made a major mistake in 1950; he declared it the ‘National Song’ without any formal resolution, whereas a resolution should have been passed for it.”
Owaisi further claimed that there is no definition of “National Song” and alleged that the Centre’s move violated Articles 25, 26 and 29 of the Constitution.
What Does the Vande Mataram Bill Seek to Do?
The Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026 seeks to make obstruction or insult to the national song “Vande Mataram” a criminal offence.
The legislation was passed by the Lok Sabha through a voice vote on Thursday, following its approval by the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday.
The Bill’s passage was accompanied by disruptions in the Lower House. Opposition MPs raised issues related to the Ram Mandir donation row and police action against student protesters, resulting in a brief discussion before the legislation was passed.
BJP Defends Vande Mataram Bill
BJP MP Shashank Mani Tripathi defended the legislation and blamed Opposition members for preventing a more detailed discussion on the Bill.
“To advance the discussion, members should remain present in the House instead of raising slogans. Why are slogans being raised?”
Tripathi said the Bill seeks to give “Vande Mataram” the same honour as the National Anthem and connect its message with the country’s youth.
“This is a significant Bill — its objective is to accord ‘Vande Mataram’ the same honour as the National Anthem and to harness the energy of our youth.”
He also referred to the phrase “Sujalam-Sufalam” associated with “Vande Mataram”, saying that the legislation seeks to evoke that spirit across the country and bring new energy to the nation.
Tripathi Says Disruptions Limited Debate
Tripathi said the Bill could have been discussed at greater length if there had been no sloganeering in the House. According to him, repeated adjournments and disruptions ultimately resulted in only a brief discussion before the legislation was passed.
“Had there been no sloganeering, we could have held a proper discussion; however, after repeated adjournments of the House, we managed to hold a brief discussion and ultimately had to pass the Bill.”
DMK Opposes the Legislation
The legislation also faced strong opposition from the DMK in the Lok Sabha. The party accused the government of using the Bill to advance what it described as a “Hindutva” agenda.
The Opposition’s objections, along with Owaisi’s constitutional concerns, highlight the political disagreement surrounding the legislation, while the government and BJP have defended the Bill’s objective of according greater honour to “Vande Mataram”.
Lok Sabha Passes Bill After Rajya Sabha Approval
With the Lok Sabha approving the Bill by voice vote on July 30, the legislation has cleared both Houses of Parliament. The development followed the Rajya Sabha’s passage of the Bill a day earlier.
The debate has centred on the proposed legal protection for “Vande Mataram”, its status as the National Song, and whether giving it the same honour as the National Anthem raises constitutional concerns. Owaisi has opposed the move, while BJP leaders have defended the legislation and its stated objective.
