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Kolkata: The Suvendu Adhikari-led Bengal government has made the singing of “Vande Mataram” compulsory in schools across the state from Monday, according to an official directive issued by the School Education Department.

The announcement was made by the CM while addressing students and the public after the declaration of the Class 12 examination results on Thursday.

According to the order circulated to heads of institutions, the national song will now have to be sung during the assembly before the commencement of classes in all state-run and aided schools.

The move marks a significant policy shift in the state’s education system following the recent change in government in Bengal, where the BJP came to power under Adhikari earlier this month.

Reports said the previous government had mandated the singing of “Banglar Mati Banglar Jol” during school assemblies. “Vande Mataram,” written by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee, has long been associated with India’s freedom movement and national identity.

Last year, TMC MP Mahua Moitra had slammed the BJP government in the parliament while referring to the song. “10 crore Bengalis will rise with 20 crore arms to teach you the real meaning of Vande Mataram in Bengal,” she had said.

Reacting to the recent development, JUP National President and MLA Humayun Kabir asked what was the issue if students sang the song? “Vande Mataram’ is the slogan of India and the national anthem of the motherland. So what is the issue? Earlier, ‘Vande Mataram’ was heard in schools, colleges, and many places. So what is the problem with what the Chief Minister said? No one should have any objection to it,” he told IANS.