"Why would anyone force you to sing Vande Mataram?" asks VHP's Vinod Bansal

Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh) [India], December 1 (ANI): Reacting to Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind president Maulana Mahmood Madani's recent speech in Bhopal, VHP national spokesperson Vinod Bansal on Sunday criticised the remarks, questioning the organisation's stance.
Speaking to ANI, Bansal said, "This is the same institution that used to say they fought for the country's freedom. Why would someone force you to sing Vande Mataram? Those who consider this land their mother will naturally respect it."
He added that raising objections over national symbols or patriotic expressions only creates unnecessary controversy and urged leaders to refrain from statements that could sow discord.
Bharatiya Janata Party leader Narottam Mishra on Saturday criticised Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind president Maulana Mahmood Madani's speech in Bhopal, questioning his remarks on the judiciary and Vande Mataram.
"He should see who are carrying out the bomb blasts? Who is doing 'Jihad'? India will suppress the 'Jihadi' mentality and will not tolerate this kind of mentality. He is raising questions on the judiciary, Vande Mataram. What kind of mentality is this?" said former Madhya Pradesh Home Minister Mishra.
Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind president Maulana Mahmood Madani on Saturday expressed concern over India's judicial and social conditions, alleging that constitutional rights are being undermined and minority communities are being targeted.
Speaking at the National Governing Body meeting in Bhopal, Madani questioned the independence of the judiciary, citing cases like Babri Masjid and triple talaq. He stated that the Supreme Court should be considered "supreme" only if it upholds the Constitution and the law.
Madani also criticised anti-conversion laws, saying they undermine the right to freedom of religion."The Constitution of the country has provided us with the right to Freedom of Religion. But under the Conversion Law, this fundamental right is being eroded. This law is being used in a manner in which practising a religion becomes liable to fear and punishment. On the other hand, in the name of 'Ghar Wapasi', those converting people into a particular religion have a free hand. They are not questioned, and no legal action is taken against them," he added.
On Vande Mataram, he said that surrendering communities are "murda kaum," while living communities face challenges head-on.
The Jamiat president further remarked, "'Murda kaum' do not get involved in difficulties. They surrender. They will be told to recite Vande Mataram and they will begin doing so at once. That is the sign of a 'murda kaum'. If it is 'zinda kaum', morale will have to be boosted and the situation will have to be met head on." (ANI)