Centre-state disputes over census, NEP affect public interest: Mayawati

BSP chief highlighted the problems faced by children in government schools, especially those from marginalised communities, and urged govt to re-evaluate its stance on English education

Raising concerns over political disputes between the Centre and the states, Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati on Saturday said divisive politics regarding census and new education policy (NEP) may affect the public and the national interests.

BSP chief Mayawati. (HT file)

In a series of post on X in Hindi, Mayawati wrote, “It is natural that the public and national interest will be affected using these disputes between the states and the Centre for political gains, reallocation of Lok Sabha seats based on census, new education policy and imposition of language, etc. Good governance is that which takes the entire country along as per the Constitution.”

She highlighted the problems faced by children in government schools, especially those from marginalised communities, and urged the government to re-evaluate its stance on English education.

“Anyway, the government should pay attention to how the children studying in government schools, especially those from the oppressed and neglected poor, Dalits, tribals and backwards classes, can progress in IT and skilled fields without acquiring knowledge of English. Hatred towards language is inappropriate,” she wrote.

“The recent incident of violence by casteist and feudal elements on a Dalit wedding procession in Agra and the increasing incidents of atrocities on the poor and Dalits in various districts of UP are extremely worrying, whereas during the BSP rule, the government was always seen standing with them against injustice,” Mayawati wrote. (With inputs from agencies)