Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has launched a sharp attack on the previous Congress-led UPA government over the portrayal of historical figures in NCERT textbooks, alleging that the curriculum gave greater space to Mughal history while limiting coverage of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
Addressing the BJP Maharashtra State Executive Meeting in Pune, Fadnavis claimed that NCERT textbooks published during the UPA era contained 13 pages on the Mughals but only one passage on Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
Fadnavis contrasted the alleged difference with the curriculum under the present Narendra Modi-led government. He said the revised curriculum has increased the coverage of Shivaji Maharaj to 17 pages, arguing that the change reflects a different approach towards India’s historical figures.
The Maharashtra Chief Minister’s comments came as part of a wider political attack on the Congress and its record while the BJP’s state leadership discussed organisational and political issues at its meetings in Pune.
Fadnavis also accused the Congress of attempting to create negative narratives around the Ram Mandir issue. He alleged that the opposition had portrayed the temple-related donation controversy as a case of wrongdoing.
Taking his criticism further, Fadnavis claimed that the Congress could also target the upcoming Trimbakeshwar MahaSimhastha Kumbh Mela 2027. He cited the tendering process for Kumbh-related works and claimed that contracts had been awarded at prices around 20 per cent lower than estimates.
The Chief Minister also brought the Women’s Reservation Bill into his criticism of the Congress, alleging that the party had failed to advance the legislation during its time in government. He contrasted this with initiatives introduced by the Modi government, including Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao and Lakhpati Didi, which he said were aimed at expanding opportunities for women.
Fadnavis further outlined the Maharashtra government’s economic ambitions, reiterating the target of turning the state into a $1 trillion economy by 2030.
He linked the target with the broader objectives of building a Viksit Maharashtra and contributing to the vision of a Viksit Bharat by 2047.
The remarks came during the Maharashtra BJP’s organisational meetings in Pune. Fadnavis attended the Maharashtra State Executive Committee meeting as well as the BJP Maharashtra State Office-Bearers’ Meeting chaired by state BJP president Ravindra Chavan.
