Samajwadi Party Maharashtra president and MLA Abu Azmi&rsquo;s refusal to recite Vande Mataram has triggered a major political row, prompting protests by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers outside his Mumbai residence.
Azmi&rsquo;s decision came as the national song marked its 150th anniversary. His absence from a mass recital event and subsequent remarks intensified the controversy. 
&ldquo;You cannot make someone recite something forcefully. Someone who believes only in Allah and does not even worship his mother cannot worship the earth and the sun according to Islam...,&rdquo; Azmi said.
He clarified that he respects Vande Mataram and has no objection to others reciting it, but maintained his personal stand. 
&ldquo;Jo padhta hai padhe kaun mana kar raha hai (Those who want to recite can do so, who is objecting?). Even many Muslims recite the song but those who are religious and believe in Allah cannot worship anyone else,&rdquo; he added.
Following his remarks, several BJP leaders gathered outside Azmi&rsquo;s Bandra residence, chanting slogans of "Vande Mataram" and "Bharat Mata Ki Jai".&nbsp;
BJP MLA Raj K Purohit said the demonstration was symbolic, stating, &ldquo;Vande Mataram should be recited, and the country should be respected. If you don't have love (for the country), then go to Pakistan... You live in this country and are an MLA here...&rdquo;
Maharashtra Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar and state minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha were also among the BJP leaders present at the protest.
Mumbai BJP president Ameet Satam had earlier invited Azmi to attend the mass recital of Vande Mataram near his residence, describing the song as &ldquo;an embodiment of nationalism, unity and inspiration.&rdquo;
Previously, Azmi had opposed making the recital of Vande Mataram mandatory in schools, arguing that it should not be imposed on anyone. 
The Maharashtra government had directed all schools to sing the full version of the national song from October 31 to November 7 to commemorate its 150th anniversary.
The national song, written by Bankimchandra Chatterji on November 7, 1875, continues to hold cultural and political significance across the country.

Maharashtra Samajwadi Party chief and MLA Abu Azmi refused to recite Vande Mataram

Azmi’s refusal to recite Vande Mataram triggers protest outside his Mumbai home

Abu Azmi’s Vande Mataram Stand Sparks Row

Azmi’s refusal to recite Vande Mataram triggers protest outside his Mumbai home

November 7, 2025 | 17:44 IST