BJP MLA identifies Rajasthan teacher by beard, forces him to say 'Vande Mataram'

Jaipur,UPDATED: Aug 19, 2025 14:52 IST

A video of Rajasthan MLA Balmukund Acharya confronting a teacher for allegedly refusing to chant "Vande Mataram" and "Bharat Mata ki Jai" has gone viral, sparking controversy. The incident occurred earlier this month at a hotel in Vaishali Nagar, Jaipur, during a private felicitation ceremony organised by the Hindustan Book of Records.

The event, aimed at honouring educators, was attended by officials from schools nationwide, including 100 teachers. Acharya's actions, which included repeated questioning of the teacher, have drawn significant attention.

Identifying the teacher, Ansari Mohammad Rashid from Maharashtra, as a Muslim by his beard, Acharya insisted he chant "Vande Mataram." Rashid’s alleged refusal prompted Acharya to repeatedly press the matter during the event.

Acharya questioned Rashid's loyalty, stating, "You eat from this country, but you are not loyal to it."

The BJP MLA from Jaipur’s Hawa Mahal went further, asking, "Why are you not saying Vande Mataram? Have you come from outside? Are you not from our country?"

Looking around, he asked others on the stage, "He lives in this country but does not say Vande Mataram. What kind of man is he? Does he not believe in India or the Tricolour?"

In response, Rashid clarified, "We have no problem. We belong to this country. I have come from Maharashtra. We have no objection."

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