Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi has strongly opposed the Vande Mataram Bill, stating that he worships only Allah and cannot be compelled to perform any act that goes against his religious beliefs.
Reacting during the debate on the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026, Owaisi said, “I am a Muslim. I worship only Allah and no one else.” He argued that the legislation violates the constitutional principles of religious freedom and secularism, and objected to making the singing of Vande Mataram legally enforceable
The Bill, which has now cleared Parliament, extends legal protection to Vande Mataram, placing it on par with the National Anthem under the law. It introduces penalties for insulting or deliberately disrupting the rendition of the national song.
The legislation sparked sharp political reactions, with several opposition leaders alleging that it infringes upon religious freedom and departs from India’s secular constitutional framework, while the government has defended the move as a step to safeguard national honour.