Uttarakhand CM’s Bhagavad Gita Recitation Order Criticized by Opposition

After Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami declared that the Bhagavad Gita must be recited in schools statewide, the Congress and Samajwadi Party criticized the decision, deeming it unsuitable and contrary to the country’s secular principles.
Congress representative Udit Raj expressed disapproval, stating that enforcing the recitation of religious texts in schools goes against India’s secular values. He emphasized that while individuals are free to read the Gita privately, it should not be compulsory in educational institutions. Raj also raised concerns about the impact on education quality and the unfairness to students from diverse backgrounds.
Similarly, Samajwadi Party MP Rajeev Rai opposed the move, asserting that while religious texts hold philosophical significance, imposing them on children is not advisable. He emphasized that while religious texts can be taught for knowledge, they should not be enforced on students.
In response to the issue, Bihar Minister Dilip Jaiswal highlighted the varying education policies across states, indicating that what is implemented in one state may not be suitable for others.
Earlier, CM Dhami had announced the mandatory recitation of Bhagavad Gita verses in Uttarakhand schools to foster a connection with Indian culture, moral values, and life philosophy for students’ holistic development. The Chief Minister shared this initiative on social media, emphasizing its role in connecting students with Indian heritage.