Class XII students asked to draw BJP symbol, write about Nehru’s negative traits invites sharp reaction

February 24: A major controversy has erupted in the Northeastern state of Manipur on 2 questions asked in the H.S. Final Year examination of Political Science subject. The two questions which invited sharp criticism are: “Draw the election symbol of Bharatiya Janata Party” and “Examine any four negative traits of Nehru’s approach to Nation Building.”

Question No.29 of the Political Science Examination of Class XII conducted by Council Of Higher Secondary Education Manipur (COHSEM) was, “Examine any four negative traits of Nehru’s approach to Nation Building.” Four marks were allotted for this question. Whereas, Question No.32 asked the students to “Draw the election symbol of Bharatiya Janata Part.” This question also contained 4 marks.

Congress spokesperson Kh Joykishan said, “The questions are a part of an attempt to instil a certain mindset among students.” Refuting the allegations raised by the Congress, Manipur Education Council Chairman L Mahendra Singh said, “Neither of the questions was out of syllabus.”