BJP Counters Sonia Gandhi’s NEP Criticism, Calls It ‘Colonial Mindset’

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has strongly responded to Congress Parliamentary Party (CPP) chairperson Sonia Gandhi’s criticism of the New Education Policy (NEP) 2020, accusing her of promoting a colonial mindset.

Tarun Chugh’s Response: ‘Remove Italian Spectacles’

BJP General Secretary Tarun Chugh dismissed Sonia Gandhi’s claims that the NEP promotes centralisation, commercialisation, and communalisation. He argued that Congress had kept India trapped in a colonial mindset for 60 years after independence, stating:

“Instead of highlighting the glorious history of India’s real heroes, the Congress promoted communalism, appeasement, and nepotism.”

He further added:

“Sonia Gandhiji, you must introspect before commenting on the RSS. Only if you remove these ‘Italian spectacles’ will you understand patriotism and the significance of Indian institutions.”

Sonia Gandhi’s Criticism of NEP

In her article titled “The ‘3Cs’ that haunt Indian education today”, published in The Hindu, Sonia Gandhi accused the government of using NEP to centralise power, commercialise education, and communalise textbooks. She claimed the policy masked the government’s indifference towards the education of children and youth.

According to her:

“Unchecked centralisation has been the hallmark of the Modi government’s functioning, and its most damaging impact is on education.”

BJP’s Broader Response

BJP leaders continued to defend NEP as a step towards Indianisation. Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis reiterated:

“If the education policy that Macaulay introduced to enslave India is replaced, any patriot will support it. Sonia Gandhi should learn more about it and support the Indianisation of the education system.”

BJP spokesperson Syed Shahnawaz Hussain also countered Sonia Gandhi’s claims, stating:

“She prefers an education policy that provokes people. It is unfortunate that she is questioning India’s education policy.”

DMK Joins Criticism of NEP

Backing Sonia Gandhi’s stance, DMK leader T.K.S. Elangovan argued that the NEP threatens Tamil Nadu’s education system, stating:

“They want to kill Tamil Nadu’s system and introduce a Vedic education model without scientific foundation. The RSS and BJP want Indians to remain as Shudras.”

DMK has been vocal against Hindi imposition through NEP, aligning with other non-Hindi-speaking states.

NEP Debate: A Political Flashpoint

The debate around NEP 2020 continues to divide political leaders, with the BJP positioning it as a move towards national identity and self-reliance, while the opposition warns of centralisation and ideological influence.

As the policy is implemented, the future of India’s education system remains a key point of contention between the ruling party and the opposition.

What’s your take on the New Education Policy? Let us know in the comments!