New Delhi, September 29 (Daily Kiran) : The recent announcement by Akhilesh Yadav, leader of the Samajwadi Party (SP), regarding plans to improve madrasa education in Uttar Pradesh has sparked significant debate. Minority Welfare Minister Danish Ansari responded critically, suggesting that while such initiatives could be beneficial, they raise questions about why similar actions were not taken during the SP’s previous term from 2012 to 2017.
Ansari pointed out that data indicates madrasa education deteriorated significantly under SP governance. Yadav’s recent promises, made as the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections approach, include the reinstatement of the old pension scheme, enhancements for education volunteers, and payment of overdue salaries for madrasa teachers.
Yadav also pledged that education volunteers would receive benefits comparable to regular teachers, issues related to Sanskrit schools would be addressed, and salaries for teachers in modern madrasas would be ensured.
In response, BJP spokesperson Shah Nawaz Hussain dismissed the likelihood of Yadav returning to power, accusing him of misleading Muslim children by focusing solely on madrasas. Hussain emphasized the BJP’s commitment to providing quality education for all children, enabling them to pursue careers as doctors, engineers, and professors, contrasting this with Yadav’s alleged aim of limiting Muslim youth to roles as imams and clerics.
Congress spokesperson Surendra Rajput welcomed the development of madrasas and other institutions, provided it aligns with democratic principles and the Constitution. He criticized the BJP for allegedly using madrasa issues to incite communal tensions.
Ansari reiterated his concerns, questioning why the SP did not prioritize madrasa development during its tenure. He stated, “Governments operate on facts, not rhetoric. Your policies were ineffective, and there was no genuine intent to advance the welfare of Muslims in the state.” He further highlighted that the state of madrasa education was at its lowest during the SP’s rule from 2012 to 2017.
Congress MP Imran Masood urged Yadav to focus on forming a government before making promises. He stressed the importance of developing all educational institutions, including madrasas, to ensure underprivileged children receive quality education.
Earlier, Yadav accused the BJP government of targeting madrasas and Sanskrit teachers, reaffirming that the old pension scheme would be reinstated if the SP regains power in 2027.
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