Madhya Pradesh Congress Leader Slams RSS-Linked Books in Curriculum

Madhya Pradesh Congress leader Kunal Choudhary criticised the state government's decision to include books by RSS-linked authors in college curricula. He accused the BJP and RSS of propagating divisive politics and undermining national unity, urging the promotion of works by figures like Nehru and Gandhi instead.

Madhya Pradesh Congress leader Kunal Choudhary on Wednesday criticized the state government's move to include books by authors linked to the RSS (Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh) in the college curriculum. Choudhary accused the BJP and RSS of prioritizing divisive politics over national unity and love for the country, claiming their actions undermine principles of harmony and inclusiveness.

'It is clear that the books discussed through Gyan Prakoshtha and those being forcibly pushed are related to RSS ideology. The RSS and Bharatiya Janata Party are engaged in eliminating the principle of love for this country and instilling hatred. The Gyan Prakoshtha, whose job is to bring books of knowledge, is moving towards ignorance,' Choudary told ANI.

Choudhary argued that the ruling party's actions aim to undermine the country's institutions and questioned their commitment to preserving India's cultural heritage. He highlighted the irony of promoting selective aspects of heritage while neglecting works by revered poets like Kabir and Raskhan. He suggested promoting works by figures like Jawaharlal Nehru and Mahatma Gandhi to understand the country's cultural heritage fully. Choudhary further warned that the government's educational approach might undermine scientific rigour and critical thinking, essential for excelling in fields like science and technology.

Additionally, he expressed concern over the shift in how government institutions receive books, noting that 'Earlier books were provided by the Hindi Granth Academy, but now it is being said that books should be purchased with public participation.' Choudhary vowed that the Congress party would resist the transformation of Gyan Prakoshtha into 'Ignorance Prakoshtha' and might challenge the decision in court.

'Instead of growing any ideology within the country's institutions, we will promote the fundamental principles of the nation and the feeling of love, keeping away the ideas of hatred and contempt,' he concluded. However, state minister Vishwas Kailash Sarang countered the Congress's opposition, arguing that the party opposes decisions aimed at strengthening India's culture. Sarang claimed that Congress has historically tampered with India's history to glorify one family and questioned whether the Congress had even read the books they were opposing.

'Congress will oppose every decision taken to strengthen India's culture because they talk about the uncultured. They have consistently tampered with India's history to glorify one family,' Sarang told ANI. 'Is it wrong to tell our upcoming generation about our culture? I welcome the state government's decision, which will yield positive results for future generations,' he added.

(With inputs from agencies.)