Patriotism Beyond Religion: Owaisi's Stand on Vande Mataram Debate

AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi voiced concerns over associating patriotism with a single religion, deeming it unconstitutional. During a Lok Sabha discussion on Vande Mataram, he stressed that the Constitution ensures equal rights regardless of religious identity. He emphasized that the State should not belong to any particular faith.

Asaduddin Owaisi, a prominent AIMIM leader, asserted that connecting patriotism to religion undermines constitutional values, potentially heightening social division. Speaking in the Lok Sabha during a session dedicated to the 150-year legacy of the national song Vande Mataram, he emphasized the importance of equal citizenship rights, void of religious affiliations.

Owaisi highlighted the secular nature of India's foundational document, beginning with 'We the People' instead of invoking any deity. He stressed that the freedom of thought, expression, belief, faith, and worship enshrined in the Preamble underpins democracy and cautioned against making the State the possession of any single religion.

The Hyderabad MP also referenced historical debates, noting that attempts to incorporate Vande Mataram into the Preamble were rejected. He pointed out past political alliances that contradicted patriotic unity, arguing that love for the country should not be conflated with religious symbols or practices.

(With inputs from agencies.)