Jamiat resolution on Vande Mataram is unacceptable: Khurshid

NEW DELHI: The resolution of Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind (JuH) asking Muslims not to recite 'Vande Mataram' is "unacceptable" and will be "counter-productive", Minority Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid has said.

He also doubted whether the resolution was the view of the entire Jamiat as the organisation is divided into two factions.

"It (the resolution) is unacceptable. It is counter- productive. It is not good for our society and our country. It is not good for Muslims," Khurshid told Karan Thapar on Devil's Advocate programme in the CNN-IBN when asked to comment on the resolution passed by the JuH at its convention in Deoband on November 3.

The JuH, largest organisation of Sunni Muslims, in its resolution endorsed a fatwa issued by Darul-Uloom of Deoband in 2006 which had declared recital of 'Vande Mataram' as un-Islamic.

Khurshid, himself a Muslim, said he recites Vande Mataram out of "national pride, a sense of patriotism and commitment".

Asked whether he feels proud of singing Vande Mataram, the minister said, "Not only proud, but I am committed. I consider it my obligation."

He disapproved of efforts to force anyone to desist from reciting the national song or even to force anyone to sing it.