Mumbai, Aug. 15 -- As the country celebrated its 80th Independence Day on Saturday, AIMIM leader Waris Pathan hoisted the national flag in Mumbai's Byculla area but said he would not sing 'Vande Mataram', citing religious reasons.

Pathan participated in the Independence Day celebrations along with children from a madrasa in the Byculla area. The Tricolour was hoisted during the programme, with the celebrations marking eight decades of India's independence.

However, the absence of 'Vande Mataram' from the programme drew attention, with Pathan making it clear that he would not sing the national song.

Pathan said he respects 'Vande Mataram', but maintained that certain lines in the song are not permitted by his religion for him to recite....