On June 17, political scientists Yogendra Yadav and Suhas Palshikar wrote to NCERT, protesting the inclusion of their names in new textbooks despite having distanced themselves from the revisions. They threatened legal action if the books bearing their names were not immediately withdrawn.

In their letter, Palshikar and Yadav stated they do not want NCERT to use their names to endorse political science textbooks that they consider "politically biased, academically indefensible, and pedagogically dysfunctional."

The two, who had served as chief advisors for the textbooks, had previously criticised the rationalisation exercise for "mutilating" the books beyond recognition and demanded that their names be removed.

They expressed that the textbooks, once a source of pride, have now become an embarrassment. The recently released revised versions still list them as chief advisors. The letter noted that NCERT had made significant additions and rewrites without consulting them, despite their explicit refusal to be associated with these changes.

The NCERT is facing controversy over the revised Class 12 political science textbook, which no longer mentions the Babri Masjid, instead referring to it as a "three-domed structure." Other deletions include references to the BJP's 'rath yatra,' the role of kar sevaks, communal violence following the Babri Masjid demolition, the President's rule in BJP-ruled states, and the BJP's expression of regret over the Ayodhya events.

Yadav and Palshikar reiterated their demand for the immediate withdrawal of the new editions featuring their names and threatened legal action if NCERT fails to comply. NCERT's director, Dinesh Prasad Saklani, defended the revisions, arguing that references to riots were modified to avoid creating "violent and depressed citizens." He stated that the changes are part of an annual revision and should not be a source of controversy.

When Yadav and Palshikar initially disassociated themselves from the textbook, NCERT emphasised its right to make changes based on copyright ownership, asserting that the textbooks are a collective effort and that the withdrawal of association by any one member is not feasible.

Image source: PTI