Major CONTROVERSY: Education Minister of this state orders to recite Vande Mataram in madrasas

Jaipur: Education Minister of Rajasthan Madan Dilawar’s recent orders snowballed into a major controversy as he announced that the national song ‘Vande Mataram’ would be sung every day in the state’s madrasas to celebrate its 150th anniversary. The Rajasthan government has decided to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram across all educational institutions throughout the year. What Did Madan Dilawar Say? The Rajasthan Education Minister stated that the decision has been taken with an aim to instil patriotism among students. “Vande Mataram is not just a song; it is the soul of India. It awakens the feeling of patriotism in the heart of every citizen” Dilawar said. Why Has The Decision Drawn Sharp Criticism? The decision has attracted a sharp criticism from Muslim organisations. They said that the decision contravene with their religious freedom. According to Former Rajasthan Waqf Board chairman Khanu Khan Budhwali the state government should not impose any law or rule on what prayers people should recite. “India is a free country where everyone has the right to pray and worship according to their faith. The government should not impose what prayers people should recite” Budhwali said. Budhwali further accused the state government of diverting attention from the real issue which is development and modernisation. Congress Accused BJP Of Playing Politics Amid all this Congress has slammed the BJP accusing it for playing politics over the national song. Party leaders alleged that the state government’s decision is aimed at hurting communal sentiments. Rajasthan’s Madrasas Are Part Of Political Debates This is not the first time madrasas of the state have been pulled into political debates. During Ashok Gehlot government the state government allocated a large budget for the modernisation of madrasas. But the BJP which was then in opposition had criticised the decision and termed it as “Muslim appeasement.” Madan Dilawar And Controversies The Education Minister is known for making controversial statements. Earlier Dilawar ordered the removal of Mughal history from textbooks. “Akbar used to set up Meena Bazaar and abduct sisters and daughters. How can he be great? He fought a war with Maharana Pratap - how can he be considered great?” he then said. He faced major backlash for issuing an order to remove the Class 12 textbook Azadi Ke Post Ka Golden History. The textbook has chapters on the tenures of Congresss prime ministers after independence. He ordered an impractical plantation drive in Rajasthan. As per the order each student had to plant 10 saplings and the teacher 15 saplings every day with an aim of planting nearly 240 crore plants in a month. Rajasthan teachers’ associations staged a protest. Dilawar later issue a clarification that the drive was not mandatory.