MLA Kuzholuzo (Azo) Nienu participates in the Motion of Thanks to the Governor's Address on the second day of the 8th Session of the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly on March 3. (DIPR Photo)
Our Correspondent
Kohima | March 3
Several Nagaland MLAs on Tuesday strongly opposed the playing of “Vande Mataram” as a prelude to the National Anthem at the start of the ongoing assembly session.
Initiating a discussion on the Motion of Thanks to the Governor's Address on the second day of the 8th Session of the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly on March 3, MLA Kuzholuzo (Azo) Nienu raised the objection, stating that the playing of the national song infringed upon the constitutional safeguards under Article 371(A) of the Constitution.
Several other legislators echoed his concerns, with some referring to a recent communication from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) regarding the national song.
MLA Dr Neisatuo Mero said he was taken aback by the playing of “Vande Mataram” on day one of the assembly on March 2 just before the National Anthem. Referring to an MHA notification to the state government on January 28 regarding 'orders' relating to the national song, he said, “I have utmost respect for all the religions in India but Nagaland being a Christian democratic state, I think we should not be compelled or imposed to strictly adhere to this order.”
He cited Article 371A(1)(a)(i) of the Indian Constitution, which provides special status to Nagaland to protect the religious and social practices of the Naga people.
MLA Jwenga Seb also registered his opposition, stating, “In the spirit of inclusion and constitutional respect, I feel compelled to express my concerns regarding the recent practice and proposal to mandate the singing of the full version of “Vande Mataram” in this esteemed House.”
MLA P Longon urged all members of the House to resolve and reject the inclusion of the song before the National Anthem, asserting that together they could exercise the constitutional provision and protect Article 371A.
NPF MLA Achumbemo Kikon stated that his party was not agreeable to the practice. “Our tradition teaches tolerance, our philosophy preaches tolerance, our constitution practices tolerance, let us not dilute it,” he said, arguing that it was a violation of fundamental rights and duties enshrined in the Constitution.
He urged the House to pass an order stating that the people and elected members of Nagaland are “not in a position to accept this imposition and we will continue to oppose this imposition on us.”
MLA Dr Tseilhoutuo Rhutso also raised concerns over the compulsory singing of ‘Vande Mataram.’ While acknowledging the song's historical importance, he said making it mandatory in a predominantly Christian state raised constitutional and religious concerns.
Dr Rhutso noted that only the first two stanzas of the song, composed by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee, were adopted as the National Song in 1950. He also referred to a 1986 Supreme Court observation that singing “Vande Mataram” is not compulsory and that compelling it could infringe upon the freedom of religion under Article 25(1).
In the context of Nagaland, he said Article 371A provides constitutional safeguards for religious and customary practices, and any directive must respect the state's unique identity.
Dr Rhutso maintained that refusing to sing the song does not undermine the Constitution or the sovereignty and integrity of India, asserting that patriotism is demonstrated through loyalty, service, and respect for constitutional values.
He urged the government to review the directive in consultation with the House to ensure that national unity remains inclusive and respectful of conscience.
