PANJIM: The Congress Party on Monday condemned Union Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar’s statement supporting the mother tongue as the medium of instruction (MoI) at the primary level, alleging that the “declaration” was made under pressure from Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).
Addressing media persons, Congress spokesperson Sunil Kawthankar further alleged that the BJP government is under pressure from the RSS to withdraw grants given to 127 English medium primary schools. “The sudden statement by Parrikar, who is claimed to be the tallest State BJP leader, was under pressure. With elections inching closer, they are again succumbing to pressure from certain sections,” he said.
Parrikar on Sunday had openly extended his support to learning in the mother tongue at the primary level and had virtually stated that ‘come what may, we will not pass the MoI bill’.
“When the bill is pending before the State Assembly’s select committee, what right does Parrikar hold to make such a statement? When State Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar himself assures to resolve the MoI controversy, Parrikar’s statement gives a clear indication about their U-turn on the issue,” Kawthankar charged.
Congress accused the BJP government of taking students and parents for granted by politicising the MoI issue. “The saffron party is not bothered about students, parents or Marathi, Konkani or English language. Their interest is political,” he said.
“There is complete disturbance in the Education sector for the past four years,” the Congress spokesperson said adding, “Congress view on MoI is clear that parents be given right to choose their child’s medium of instruction’.
