Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday criticised the previous UPA government over the way history was presented in NCERT textbooks, alleging that historical figures were given unequal importance during its tenure.
Addressing the BJP Maharashtra State Executive meeting in Pune, Fadnavis claimed that NCERT textbooks during the UPA era devoted 13 pages to the Mughals while Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s history was reduced to a single paragraph.
“In the era of UPA, NCERT textbooks had 13 pages for Mughals and one paragraph for Shivaji,” Fadnavis said.
He claimed that the situation changed under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with 17 pages being devoted to Shivaji Maharaj in the updated curriculum.
Fadnavis Attacks Congress Over Ram Temple, Kumbh
Fadnavis also accused the Congress of opposing the construction of the Ram Temple and attempting to create a misleading narrative around donations to the temple.
He alleged that the Opposition had tried to portray the issue as a case of robbery.
“First they protested on the issues, then targeted the Ram Mandir issue. They tried to create a narrative that Ram temple was looted,” he said.
The Maharashtra chief minister further claimed that Congress would next target the 2027 Trimbakeshwar Mahasinghastha Kumbh Mela.
“His next target is Kumbh Mela. Come and see: Kumbh tenders were awarded at 20% less,” Fadnavis said.
Fadnavis Highlights Women’s Empowerment and Development
Fadnavis also criticised the Congress over the Women’s Reservation Bill, alleging that the party had kept the legislation pending during its tenure.
Highlighting initiatives of the Modi government, he referred to programmes such as Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao and Lakhpati Didi, saying these initiatives were aimed at creating greater opportunities for women and young people.
The chief minister also reiterated Maharashtra’s goal of becoming a $1 trillion economy by 2030.
He said the state would work towards contributing to the broader vision of a Viksit Maharashtra and Viksit Bharat by 2047.
Fadnavis made the remarks during the BJP Maharashtra State Executive meeting in Pune, which was attended by senior party leaders, including Maharashtra BJP president Ravindra Chavan.
