The BJP government in West Bengal, led by Chief Minister Subendu Adhikari, has issued a new directive making the singing of Vande Mataram compulsory in all madrasas across the state. This order comes just a week after a similar mandate was imposed on all schools in West Bengal.

The West Bengal Madrasa Education Directorate has instructed that Vande Mataram must be sung in full during morning assemblies in all government model madrasas, government-aided madrasas, recognized child education centers, and all other recognized madrasas operating under the Minority Affairs Madrasa Education Department. The directive applies to both aided and unaided recognized madrasas.

The order, issued on May 5, clearly states that strict action will be taken against those who fail to comply with the directive. Officials from the Minority Affairs Department have stated that the goal is to bring uniformity in assembly practices across all institutions under the department.

Since coming to power by defeating Mamata Banerjee, the BJP government has been implementing several changes in West Bengal. Critics argue that this move mirrors similar actions taken in Assam, where the BJP government had previously enforced Vande Mataram in madrasas. They view this as part of a broader Hindutva agenda being pushed in states where the BJP holds power.

Observers note a pattern where Congress-ruled states focus on welfare schemes like guarantees, while BJP-ruled states prioritize what they describe as cultural nationalism through measures such as making prayers compulsory and enforcing Vande Mataram.