New Delhi, August 20: A political storm has erupted following the inclusion of four members linked to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) in the team responsible for preparing a new political science textbook under the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT). Opposition parties have raised concerns about this decision, questioning the central government and the education system.
Leaders from the Congress and Samajwadi Party have accused the government of increasing ideological interference in education and attempting to alter interpretations of the country’s history and constitution through textbooks.
In Lucknow, Congress leader Rakesh Rathore launched a verbal attack on the central government and the RSS. He claimed that the influence of the RSS is growing across various institutions. He pointed out that individuals associated with the RSS are being appointed to key positions within these institutions. Rathore stated that a climate of hatred is being cultivated in the country, which he believes is part of a deliberate strategy by the BJP.
In Mumbai, Congress MLA Amin Patel expressed that the government aims to change the current interpretations of the nation’s history and constitution. He emphasized that the constitution grants citizens the right to equality and status. Patel warned that attempts to undermine these rights will not succeed. He noted that the new generation, including Gen Z and Gen Alpha, is questioning the education system and voicing their opinions. He criticized the government for lacking a solid plan to improve education, asserting that altering history and the constitution has become its primary agenda.
Samajwadi Party MP RK Chaudhary also questioned the inclusion of RSS members in the panel. He stated that it is natural to raise concerns about this issue, as the RSS ideology diverges from the core spirit of the constitution. Citing the preamble of the constitution, he highlighted the rights to equality and justice for all citizens.
Chaudhary accused the RSS of supporting a system that perpetuates long-standing social inequalities and discrimination. He argued that promoting such ideologies within the education system would contradict the fundamental spirit of the constitution.
In Mumbai, Congress leader Hussain Dalwai remarked that the inclusion of RSS-affiliated members in the NCERT team should not be viewed as a limited issue involving just four individuals. He described it as an attempt to broaden ideological influence within the education system.
Dalwai alleged that the RSS has long sought to increase its impact on the education framework. He warned that if there is an effort to steer the country towards Hindutva ideology, influencing the education system could be a crucial part of that strategy. He characterized this as a planned effort and urged the public to resist such initiatives, noting that people are beginning to understand the strategies of political parties and organizations.
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PSK/ABM
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