Some members of the student wing of the congress – NSUI (National Students Union of India) – allegedly attempted to stage a protest on Wednesday and lay siege to the home of Minister of Basic and Secondary Education BC Nagesh in Tiptur in Karnataka’s Tumakuru district. because of the controversy over the textbook. † The activists are said to protest the textbook review committee, headed by Rohith Chakratirtha, and the alleged inclusion of RSS philosophy in textbooks. Requests have been made to fire Chakratirtha for allegedly saffronizing textbooks by including a lesson on RSS founder Keshav Baliram Hedgewar’s speech, and to change the content of the books.
There are also allegations of inaccurate content about a 12th-century social reformer Basavanna in the textbook, also allegations of insulting poet Kuvempu. “NSUI workers raiding the home of Education Minister BC Nagesh and causing a riot is reprehensible. Such behavior is not befitting of students… merciless action will be taken against those involved in such acts,” Bommai tweeted.
The office of Home Secretary Araga Jnanendra said in a statement that the miscreants, allegedly from NSUI, entered the grounds of Nagesh’s home, uttered slogans and set fire to the RSS uniform. The police made sure that things did not get out of hand and took 15 people into custody.
Jnanendra, also responsible for Tumakuru district, visited Nagesh’s residence and took stock. He condemns the incident and says a police officer was injured in the incident. “Strict action will be taken against those involved.” Police intervened and pushed protesters outside the grounds of the minister’s home, official sources said, adding that 15 people have been taken into custody in connection with the incident.
As news of the alleged uproar by NSUI activists at Nagesh’s home spread, several of his cabinet colleagues, including Prime Minister Basavaraj Bommai, condemned the incident. Jnanendra, who is also in charge of Tumakuru district, visited Nagesh’s residence and took stock.
He said a police officer was injured in the incident. “Strict action will be taken against those involved.” BJP State President Nalin Kumar Kateel and Union Minister Pralhad Joshi, State Health Minister K Sudhakar, PWD Minister CC Patil and Energy Minister Sunil Kumar also condemned members of the student wing. Meanwhile, Bommai said Nagesh would submit a report on the textbook revision on June 2, in the wake of the controversy.
A few visionaries and literary figures have written to Bommai to take action against the controversy.
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