Vande Mataram to be mandatory in Jharkhand: Munda

Ranchi, Aug 31 (UNI) A day after the Jharkhand BJP instructed its functionaries to ensure singing of national song ''Vande Mataram'' in educational institutions on September seven, the party-led NDA goverment today follwed suit.

Chief Minister Arjun Munda, when asked to comment on the governent's role in following the party high command Rajnath Singh's instructions in this regard, had earlier told a private channel that he did not see any wrong in it.

Mr Munda currently on tour of Koderma and Giridih districts today said an official notification remained to be issued to this effect.

And it would be done soon, he said.

The goverment's decision on making the recital manadatory in all educational institutions drew flak from from various poilitical parties with the Congress saying people should be inspired to sing the song and not made to sing forcibly.

Jharkhand Mukti Morcha president and Union Coal Minister Sibu Soren stressed the need of not making unnecessary controversy on the issue.

The JD (U), an ally in the Arjun Munda goverment, said it should not be imposed on anybody adding prople should also respect the feelings of the minority community.

Yesterday, the state BJP instructed its functionaries to ensure singing of national song ''Vande Mataram'' in all educational institutions all over the state.

The party's minority cell will also organise singing of the song on its centenary celebrations at all important places in the state.

State party president Yadunath Pandey said as per national programme on the occasion the party instructed its functionaries to ensure singing of Vande Mataram at schools, colleges and other educational institutions with all might.

National executive member of party's minority cell Rijwan Khan said they would also organise programme on the day in the state adding some people with vested interest were trying to mix religion with the national song.

The party would deal with such ant-socials strictly, Mr Khan said.

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