Mumbai: As the country celebrated its 80th Independence Day on August 15, Saturday, The All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen(AIMIM) leader Waris Pathan hoisted the national flag in Mumbai’s Byculla area but said he would not sing ‘Vande Mataram’, citing religious reasons.
Pathan participated in the Independence Day celebrations along with children from a madrasa in the Byculla area. The Tricolour was hoisted during the programme, with the celebrations marking eight decades of India’s independence. However, the absence of ‘Vande Mataram’ from the programme drew attention and sharp criticism, with Pathan making it clear that he would not sing the national song.
Pathan said he respects ‘Vande Mataram’, but maintained that certain lines in the song are not permitted by his religion for him to recite. “I respect Vande Mataram, but there are some lines in the song which my religion does not allow me to say. That is why I will not say Vande Mataram even today”, Pathan said.
#WATCH | Mumbai, Maharashtra: AIMIM leader Waris Pathan says, "I extend my heartfelt Independence Day greetings to all my fellow countrymen. I pray that peace and harmony prevail in the country and that the nation makes great progress and moves forward…"
He also says, "We… https://t.co/s30JKTLJXK pic.twitter.com/KQ1WrFC6ou
— ANI (@ANI) August 15, 2026
The AIMIM leader’s remarks came as Independence Day celebrations were being held across the country, with the national anthem and ‘Vande Mataram’ being sung at various programmes. Pathan participated in the flag-hoisting ceremony and celebrated Independence Day with the madrasa students in Byculla. The event saw the national flag being hoisted as part of the Independence Day celebrations. Pathan’s decision to participate in the flag-hoisting ceremony while declining to sing ‘Vande Mataram’ attracted widespread condemnation.
Earlier, AIMIM chief stated his objection to the passing of the Bill on Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) 2026. “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. Now, what will you say about those ‘Mujahideen-e-Azadi’ (freedom fighters) who sacrificed their lives for the country’s independence? ‘Jana Gana Mana’ was written for the people. 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. The definition of ‘National Song’ is not provided anywhere. You (the Central Government) are violating Articles 25, 26, and 29 of the Constitution”,AIMIM Chief said.
Meanwhile, the National Song ‘Vande Mataram’ was rendered for the first time during Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort on August 15, Saturday, marking a historic moment at the venue. Calling the occasion historic, PM Modi said that after Independence, this was the first time that ‘Vande Mataram’ had echoed from the ramparts of the Red Fort during the celebrations.
Addressing the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “Today, every heart is beating with the rhythm of Vande Mataram. Aaj har ghar Tiranga hai, har mann Tiranga hai”. “It is a historic day. After independence, this is the first time that ‘Vande Mataram’ has echoed from the ramparts of the Red Fort. For everyone present at this ceremony today, this is also a historic moment”, PM Modi said.
(With Inputs from ANI)
