To mark its centenary on Sept 7, the madrassas in Madhya Pradesh will have to compulsorily sing Vande Mataram, India’s national song. Madrassa board chairman S.K. Muddin said that all the 5,300 registered madrassas across the state have been sent a circular.

Vande Mataram has become a major political issue after a section of Muslims objected to its singing Sep 7 in schools to mark the centenary of the song’s recitation at the Indian National Congress’ Calcutta Session, where it was adapted as the national song.

All-India Muslim Women’s Personal Law Board president Shaista Ambar, during her recent visit to Madhya Pradesh, also said that singing of Vande Mataram was not ‘un-Islamic’.

The government has already sent circulars to all educational institutes to ensure recitation of Vande Mataram.

Madhya Pradesh Jamiat Ulema spokesperson Yusuf Zai has suggested that the national song be replaced with `Saare Jahan Se Achha’. Zai said it was ‘improper’ to make the recitation of Vande Mataram mandatory in educational institutes as sections of Muslims were opposed to select parts of the song.