Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Palakkad zonal general secretary K.K. Surendran accused the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) of repeating Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s position by opposing the full rendition of national song Vande Mataram.

Mr. Surendran alleged that the IUML was trying to distance the Muslim community from the national mainstream. He said Muslims had sung the full song between 1896 and 1937 without any impact on their faith.

He accused the Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] and the IUML of using the issue to promote communal politics and said opposing Vande Mataram at events marking its 150th anniversary was tantamount to opposing nationalism.

Mr. Surendran also alleged that the League was adopting a double standard on religious issues. Referring to the IUML Ministers taking their oath in the name of God rather than Allah, he questioned whether their faith was affected.

He said Vande Mataram had been sung at All India Congress Committee sessions attended by national leaders, including Maulana Abul Kalam Azad. He accused the Congress of repeating past mistakes.

Published - August 09, 2026 05:27 pm IST