Karnataka BJP Raises Concerns Over Divisive Rhetoric in Textbooks

Bengaluru - The Karnataka BJP has called upon Governor Thaawar Chand Gehlot to review the curricula of all universities in the state, alleging instances of "intellectual terrorism" and divisive content in textbooks. The party's spokesperson, Arun Shahapur, made the demand during a press conference at the BJP headquarters in Bengaluru on Friday.

Shahapur specifically cited an essay titled "Around the Practice of Nationalism" by Ramalingappa T. Begur, included in a Kannada textbook for first-semester BA students at Karnataka University, Dharwad. The essay, part of a collection titled "Belagu," has drawn criticism for its portrayal of nationalism, Hinduism, and the concept of "Bharat Mata."

Shahapur alleges that the essay presents a biased perspective, portraying nationalism in a negative light and denigrating Hinduism. He takes particular issue with the author's criticism of the slogan "Bolo Bharat Mata Ki Jai" and the description of "Bharat Mata" as a fictional concept. He also criticized the essay for questioning the formation of linguistic states and for promoting divisive rhetoric.

The former Legislative Council member went on to demand the removal of the textbook, calling its content "intellectual terrorism" and questioning why no police case had been filed against the author. He urged the Governor to intervene if the government fails to act, emphasizing that the essay's content is detrimental to the ethos of the Constitution and promotes divisive rhetoric. Shahapur labeled this a misuse of the university curriculum and an exploitation of syllabus formation freedom. He also accused the essay of promoting a "mythical national supremacy" that has made Muslims more rigid in India, alleging that this notion corrupts young minds.

Shahapur also criticized the Higher Education Council for its inaction on the matter and called upon the Chief Minister and the Higher Education Minister to review the state's curricula. He questioned why contentious content was allowed to remain in the syllabus, stating that such distortions in education are dangerous and can corrupt young minds.

Captain Ganesh Karnik, another former member of the Legislative Council, echoed Shahapur's concerns, stating that the essay promotes separatism and incites hatred. He demanded the author's essay be removed from the curriculum immediately.

Hanumantha Nirani, a Legislative Council member, also attended the press conference.