SHILLONG: North Shillong MLA Adelbert Nongrum has appealed to Assembly Speaker Thomas Sangma to review his decision rejecting Nongrum’s resolution opposing the mandatory singing of Vande Mataram beyond its first two stanzas.
Nongrum had submitted the resolution for the upcoming Autumn Session under Rule 115, proposing that the House object to any requirement to sing more than two stanzas of the National Song.
In his letter to the Speaker, Nongrum argued that the matter does not fall under Rule 117(g), which excludes issues not primarily concerning the State Government.
He maintained that the issue directly affects Meghalaya, as mandating additional stanzas could impact the religious sentiments of citizens and that the State has a constitutional responsibility to protect freedom of conscience and religion under Article 25.
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Nongrum cited past Assembly resolutions on the Inner Line Permit, the inclusion of Khasi and Garo in the Eighth Schedule, and uranium mining to argue that state legislatures can discuss matters involving the Union.
He also noted that the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Act, 2026 does not specifically require all six stanzas of Vande Mataram to be sung.
Pointing out that the Constituent Assembly recognized only two stanzas as the National Song in 1950, Nongrum contended that this practice should not be changed by reinterpreting new legislation.
He has urged the Speaker to reconsider and allow the resolution to be taken up during the Autumn Session.
(4FrontMedia news)
