Is Owaisi Right to Accuse RSS-BJP of Historical Distortion?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Owaisi criticizes historical omissions in NCERT textbooks.
- Importance of teaching unfiltered history is emphasized.
- Transparency about political figures in education is called for.
- The role of RSS in freedom movements has been overlooked.
- Recommendations for including diverse perspectives in the curriculum.
New Delhi, Aug 16 (NationPress) Asaduddin Owaisi, the Chief of All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), has fiercely criticized the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), alleging that they are manipulating history by making selective alterations to NCERT textbooks.
During a televised discussion on Saturday, Owaisi challenged the removal of significant historical events from the school curricula. He highlighted the absence of Bharatiya Jana Sangh leader Syama Prasad Mookherjee from the Bengal Cabinet alongside Fazlul Haq, who was instrumental in proposing the Pakistan resolution at the Muslim League's Lahore session.
"Why is it not taught that Mukherjee served as a Cabinet member? This is part of history. Why conceal it?" Owaisi questioned.
He went on to claim that the RSS played a role in major independence movements, including the Civil Disobedience Movement, Quit India Movement, and Anti-Settlement Satyagraha, yet these contributions have been intentionally excluded from textbooks.
"You curate your teachings and depict your ideological leaders as flawless," he asserted, emphasizing that historical truths should be presented without ideological biases.
Owaisi also critiqued the representation of the Prime Minister in educational materials, demanding transparency regarding the RSS's rituals, oaths, and foundational beliefs.
"You aim to portray your ideology as virtuous while depicting others in a negative light. Teach the full story — why the secrecy?" he stated.
In response to inquiries about whether NCERT textbooks have been systematically modified over time, Owaisi remarked, "The practice of altering history has always been associated with the RSS and BJP. Whenever they wield power, this has been their primary objective."
The AIMIM leader also urged the central government to include the book 'Muslims Against Partition' by Shamsul Islam in the NCERT syllabus.
"The repeated falsehoods surrounding partition must be addressed. At that time, less than 2 to 3 percent of Muslims had voting rights, with only a select few, such as zamindars and jagirdars, being enfranchised. Even now, the RSS and BJP unjustly accuse us (Muslims) of partitioning the nation. Those who left did so; those who remained were loyal," he concluded.
These comments come amid rising concerns regarding the ideological influence on curriculum development and the politicization of education.