Suvendu Adhikari makes Vande Mataram singing mandatory in Bengal madrassas

The West Bengal government has issued a formal notification making it mandatory to sing the national song before classes begin across all state-run and state-aided madrassas. This directive follows a similar order issued during the first week of the new government, which made the song compulsory in all government-run schools in the state. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced the new rule during an official visit to a monastery, seeking blessings from the monks. The decision has initiated a political controversy, with an opposition party leader from a minority-dominated district criticising the move. The leader argued that the government should not impose this rule, particularly on self-funded independent madrassas. The mandate is expected to trigger a political conflict between the ruling party and the opposition faction in the state over the new educational directives.