Education or Politics: What really drives the Policy?

Education or Politics? What Really Drives the Policy?

If education policies in India were truly focused on transforming learning, our children would be thriving. But unfortunately, politics often overshadows real educational reform.

The latest example comes from Maharashtra. The State Government initially made Hindi mandatory as a third language from Classes 1 to 5. Facing backlash, it quickly changed the rule to make Hindi optional. Seizing the moment, political rivals Raj and Uddhav Thackeray united—more for political mileage than out of concern for education. They stirred Marathi pride and opposed the move. In the end, the government withdrew the decision and, as usual, formed a committee—one that’s unlikely to reach any real conclusion.

What this episode clearly showed was: Mr. Devendra Fadnavis aimed to align with the Central Government’s preferences, while the Thackerays wanted to regain their fading political influence. Whether either succeeded or not, one thing is certain—none of this had anything to do with improving education for children.

This is the unfortunate truth not just in Maharashtra, but across many Indian states. Language politics becomes a tool for political gain, not for improving student learning.

Just take a look at the ASER 2024 Rural Report. Only 37% of Class 3 students can read a Class 2-level Marathi passage. That’s a shameful improvement of only 3 percentage points in a decade. Have we ever heard the so-called champions of Marathi express concern about this? Have they proposed serious solutions?

This is not a phenomenon happens only in Maharashtra. Almost in all non-Hindi speaking states, it is the same - TN, Karnataka, West Bengal, Kerala etc., And for those who loudly support adding a third language—have they ever explained how struggling schools, already unable to meet basic reading standards, will handle even more responsibility without proper teachers, training, or resources? Of course not. Their focus is not on improving learning, but on winning votes.

Macaulay is often criticised for creating a mindset that devalues Indians, India's legacy and its languages. Maybe that criticism is fair. But today’s language-based politics may be doing even more harm. It spreads the false idea that promoting one Indian language requires pushing down another. That’s simply not true. Learning more languages should be seen as an asset, not a threat.

Sadly, these false divisions are used for political gains. They lead to social tensions, hurt internal migrants, and weaken national unity. Even attacking English—now a vital skill for global careers—does damage to India’s progress.

If not a national language, we at least need a link language, and Hindi is well-suited for that role. The real question is: Do our political leaders have the courage and clarity to support this vision, keeping the future of our children and the unity of our nation in mind?

Mahayuti's Victorious Turnaround in Maharashtra Elections

Mahayuti's Victorious Turnaround in Maharashtra Elections

Following a disappointing performance in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) achieved a remarkable victory for its Maha Yuti Alliance in Maharashtra, boasting an impressive strike rate. Of the 145 seats contested, the BJP secured 132 victories, resulting in a striking 91% success rate.

Factors contributing to this turnaround include a significant increase in women voters, support from the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), and consolidation of Hindu votes, helping the BJP improve its less-than-stellar Lok Sabha results.

The elections also witnessed notable polarization in Maharashtra. One of the most discussed welfare initiatives was the "Ladki Bahin Yojana," which provided women with a monthly financial aid of ₹1,500. This initiative was particularly well-received by rural women, who benefitted directly from the grants, which were credited to their accounts without access for their male counterparts. Approximately 65% of women participated in the vote, the second-highest percentage since 1995, when it reached around 70%.

Uddhav Thackeray’s persistent lamenting about political betrayal did not resonate well with voters, possibly due to his shift away from the views of the late Balasaheb Thackeray to appease allies and minorities, which alienated some traditional Shiv Sena supporters. Furthermore, the MVA's repetitive claims regarding threats to the Constitution, which had garnered attention in April, did not resonate in the same way this time. Their focus on blatant Muslim appeasement appeared to have bolstered Hindu vote consolidation, particularly in response to MVA's acceptance to controversial demands by Muslims, further driving a rift.

The MVA's diminished status was evident, losing even the position of Leader of Opposition and struggling to elect more than one member to the Rajya Sabha. Speculation on who among Uddhav, Sharad Pawar, or Nana Patole will hold this position is already generating interest.

The RSS played a pivotal role in this electoral win, launching an extensive outreach initiative following the surprising results of the May elections where the MVA claimed 32 out of 48 seats. The RSS conducted an extensive outreach program, engaging in door-to-door campaigns and small group meetings to garner support for the BJP. By organizing small 'tolis' (teams) of 'swayamsevaks', formed under the plan, reached out to people in every nook and cranny of the state. RSS conducted door-to-door campaigns and community discussions on topics like good governance and local issues, shaping public sentiment without overtly promoting the BJP.

Key Takeaways from the Election Results:

1. Unity Among Hindus: The election signaled the importance of Hindu consolidation over polarization, emphasizing the need for community unity across religious and caste lines.

   
   

2. Reconnecting with Dalits: Efforts to engage tribal leaders and reach out to the Buddhist community were crucial. The previously effective MMM (Mahars, Marathas, and Muslims) coalition against the BJP was weakened this time.

   
   

3. Maratha Dynamics: Maratha voters were divided, preventing solid consolidation. Controversies surrounding leaders like Jarange affected their credibility, benefiting the Maha Yuti.

   
   

   
   

4. OBC Support: Aggressive rhetoric from Jarange, which initially aimed at Marathas, inadvertently led to consolidation of Other Backward Classes in support of the BJP.

   
   

   
   

5. Welfare and Freebies: Welfare programs played a significant role in garnering support, highlighting the importance of tangible benefits.

   
   

   
   

6. Lessons in Sympathy and Secularism: Uddhav Thackeray’s approach appeared counterproductive, particularly his attempts to appeal to Muslim voters that alienated dedicated Shiv Sena supporters.

   
   

   
   

7. Importance of Pre-Poll Alliances: The emergence of a bi-polar political landscape is crucial for providing voters with clearer options, highlighting the risks of fragmented parties pursuing post-poll alliances.

   
   

   
   

In summary, the BJP’s strategic shifts and grassroots efforts significantly reshaped the political landscape in Maharashtra, leading to a notable electoral surge.