Mumbai, Oct 30 (PTI) The Maharashtra government has directed all the schools in the state to sing the complete version of national song 'Vande Mataram' from October 31 to November 7.

The School Education Department issued a circular to this effect on October 27.

The move was, however, opposed by Samajwadi Party (SP) leader Abu Azmi, who said the recital of Vande Mataram should not be made mandatory as everyone's belief systems were different. But it drew a sharp reaction from the ruling BJP, which said the MLA should shift to Pakistan if he does not respect the national song.

Vande Mataram, penned by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, completes 150 years on October 31, the circular said.

In the schools across the state, the first two stanzas of the national song are sung at present. However

See Full Page