New BJP Government In West Bengal Makes ‘Vande Mataram' Compulsory In All Schools From Morning Assemblies

The new BJP-led government in West Bengal has made singing 'Vande Mataram' compulsory in all government and government-aided schools across the state during morning assemblies.

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced this is being seen as one of the biggest policy shifts introduced after the BJP formed its first government in Bengal.

According to reports, students will now have to sing all six stanzas of the national song before classes begin every day. The directive reportedly puts an end to all previous assembly practices followed in schools under the state education department.

BJP Government Makes 'Vande Mataram' Compulsory In Bengal Schools

The order comes just days after the BJP government took charge in the state following the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections. The government said the decision has been implemented with immediate effect in all schools under the Department of School Education.
In a social media post, Suvendu Adhikari said the West Bengal government had made it mandatory for schools to sing the Indian national song 'Vande Mataram' during morning prayers before the commencement of classes.

Why 'Vande Mataram' Is Back In Focus

'Vande Mataram', written by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, played a major role during India's freedom movement and has remained politically significant for decades. The song was originally published in the 1882 novel Anandamath.

Earlier this year, the central government reportedly accorded 'Vande Mataram' a status equal to the national anthem 'Jana Gana Mana' and directed that all six stanzas be sung at government and school events.

The Union government also issued fresh guidelines regarding the rendition of the song as part of celebrations marking its 150th anniversary.

Political Debate Around The Decision

The issue of 'Vande Mataram' had already become politically sensitive ahead of the Bengal elections. BJP leaders had accused previous governments of limiting the song to only its first two stanzas, while opposition parties raised concerns over the religious references in later portions of the hymn.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had earlier claimed that removing portions of the song in the past weakened its original spirit and historical significance.

Existing School Assembly Rules Replaced

Reports suggest the new order supersedes previous instructions regarding school prayers and assembly songs in Bengal schools. Interestingly, the previous government had also made the singing of the state anthem 'Banglar Mati Banglar Jal' mandatory in schools last year.
With the BJP government now enforcing 'Vande Mataram' in assemblies, school rituals in the state will see another major change.