DIMAPUR, Mar 3: A constitutional debate emerged in the Nagaland Legislative Assembly after MLA Dr Tseilhoutuo Rhutso sought a review of a January 28, 2026 directive issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs mandating the compulsory singing or playing of Vande Mataram across States and Union Territories.

Speaking during the Motion of Thanks to the Governor’s Address in the Assembly’s Eighth Session, the 9 A/C Kohima Town legislator endorsed the government’s development agenda but raised what he termed “constitutional and conscientious concerns” over the enforceability of the National Song in Nagaland. He argued that the directive risks infringing upon Articles 25 and 29 of the Constitution, which guarantee religious freedom and cultural rights, particularly in a Christian-majority state protected by special constitutional provisions.

Dr Rhütso noted that while Anandamath author Bankim Chandra Chatterjee composed Vande Mataram during the freedom movement, only the first two stanzas were adopted as the National Song in 1950 due to religious references in later verses. On the same day, Jana Gana Mana was adopted as the National Anthem.

Citing a 1986 observation by the Supreme Court of India, he maintained that singing Vande Mataram is not compulsory and that forcing individuals to do so would violate Article 25(1). He also invoked Article 371A, which safeguards Nagaland’s religious and customary practices, stating that mandatory recitation—particularly of all six stanzas—would conflict with the state’s constitutional protections.

Reaffirming support for the Governor’s Address and the state government, Dr Rhütso nevertheless 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.