Bengal order on madrasas is disturbing

The BJP’s victory in West Bengal, a milestone in the party’s journey, came after a bitter campaign. In the aftermath of the victory lies the victor’s challenge: To not let the rhetoric of the campaign shrink the agenda and vision of governance, and to send a message that the government will address and respond to all the people of the state, those who voted for it, and also those who did not. In this context, the Suvendu Adhikari government’s decision to make it mandatory for madrasa students to sing ‘Vande Mataram’ during morning Assembly prayers is a disturbing let-down. It sends out a disquieting signal — that the new government is more focussed on bulldozing a polarising agenda rather than addressing the many pressing economic, social and governance challenges it has inherited.

There is little doubt that West Bengal’s madrasas and the state’s education system as a whole require urgent reform. Over the decades, several attempts have been made in this regard, including aligning curricula in recognised madrasas with the state board. Yet, the issue of the poor quality of education in unaided khariji madrasas and narrower pipelines to higher education for madrasa students remains. Forcing students to sing ‘Vande Mataram’ distracts attention from the real problem, and in a diverse democracy, creates a new one. School education — whether in minority institutions, private bodies or state-run facilities — must not become a site for a forced performative nationalism. Students and their families must not be compelled to endorse, for the sake of accessing their right to education, symbols and signifiers that may go against their religious beliefs. In Bijoe Emmanuel v. State of Kerala (1986), the Supreme Court held that forcing students belonging to the minority community to sing even the national anthem is a violation of their right to freedom of speech, expression, and religion.

The ‘Vande Mataram’ order comes on the heels of the government scrapping state assistance schemes based on religious classification, including scholarships for minority students. These decisions may be part of the Adhikari government’s attempt to counter what it calls the “appeasement” policies of its predecessor. There may be a case to be made that the Trinamool Congress government, like many others across the country, relied too often on tokenism over substantive reforms for minorities. But the forced recitation of a controversial song is the wrong answer. It does not strengthen Bengal’s education system or prepare its young for a job market undergoing epochal transitions. The Adhikari government needs to take all the people along; it must step back from a path that will only lead to exclusion and alienation.

Overall Analysis

The editorial criticises the West Bengal government’s decision to make the singing of ‘Vande Mataram’ mandatory in madrasas, arguing that it reflects a divisive political agenda rather than meaningful governance reform. The article adopts a strongly democratic and constitutional perspective, emphasising inclusivity, educational reform, and respect for minority rights.

The opening paragraph sets the tone by contrasting electoral victory with the responsibility of governance. The author argues that after a bitter political campaign, the government’s duty is to unite society rather than deepen divisions. The phrase “disturbing let-down” conveys disappointment, while expressions like “bulldozing a polarising agenda” indicate the writer’s concern that symbolic politics is being prioritised over pressing governance challenges. The language is sharp yet formal, signalling criticism without becoming emotional or sensational.

The second paragraph shifts toward education policy and constitutional principles. The editorial acknowledges genuine issues within the madrasa education system, including weak educational quality and limited access to higher education. However, it argues that forcing patriotic expressions does not solve these structural problems. The phrase “forced performative nationalism” is especially significant, suggesting that nationalism loses meaning when imposed rather than voluntarily embraced. The author strengthens the argument through legal reasoning, citing the Supreme Court judgment in Bijoe Emmanuel v. State of Kerala (1986), which protected students from being compelled to sing the national anthem against their beliefs. This legal reference adds constitutional depth and credibility to the editorial.

In the final section, the article broadens its critique to include the government’s wider policies toward minorities, such as the withdrawal of religion-based assistance schemes. While the editorial briefly concedes that previous governments may have relied on tokenism, it firmly rejects compulsory patriotic rituals as a solution. The phrase “epochal transitions” highlights the larger economic and technological changes shaping the future job market, implying that education policy should focus on preparing students for these realities rather than symbolic cultural conflicts.

Overall, the editorial uses balanced reasoning, constitutional arguments, and emotionally charged yet controlled language to warn against exclusionary governance. It consistently advocates inclusive democracy, educational reform, and sensitivity toward minority rights.

Important Vocabulary (5)

1. Disquieting – causing anxiety or unease.
2. Bulldozing – forcing something through aggressively without sensitivity or discussion.
3. Performative – done more to create an appearance or impression than for genuine purpose.
4. Appeasement – satisfying demands in order to avoid conflict, often politically.
5. Epochal – extremely important or significant in history or development.

Conclusion & Tone

The editorial argues that compulsory nationalism in educational institutions risks alienating minorities and distracting attention from genuine educational reform. It urges the government to focus on inclusive governance and practical improvements rather than symbolic and divisive measures.

Tone: Critical, constitutional, and cautionary.