Why a Buddhist activist has challenged the full version of Vande Mataram

A Buddhist activist has moved the Supreme Court challenging the Union government’s 2026 orders concerning the six-stanza version of Vande Mataram. BD Borkar, a Scheduled Caste Buddhist and Ambedkarite activist, argues that the later stanzas invoke Hindu goddesses and, in the context of Bankim Chandra Chatterjee’s Anandamath, are connected to a religious conflict involving Muslims. His petition says making this version the official one and compelling citizens to sing it could violate secularism, fraternity and fundamental rights, including freedom of conscience and religion. The case also comes days after the Supreme Court, while hearing TM Krishna’s petition, said conscientious objectors should not face criminal consequences for refusing to sing. So why is this Buddhist activist challenging the full version of Vande Mataram? And what does the Constitution say about being compelled to sing?