Nobody can be forced to sing 'Vande Mataram': Minister

Hyderabad, Sep 5 (UNI) Andhra Pradesh School Education Minister N Rajyalaxmi today said nobody can be forced to sing 'Vande Mataram' on September seven.

Speaking to newsmen here, Ms Rajyalaxmi said the state government's circular on reciting 'Vande Mataram,' according to the Centre's directive, would not force anyone to sing the national song in schools.

She said the government would not hurt the sentiments of the other religions by forcing them to sing the song. But at least, first two stanzas should be recited in schools.

The Minister said there were no differences between her and State Minority Welfare Minister M D Fariduddin who had yesterday opposed the circular issued by the School Education Department.

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