01 September,2026 10:41 AM IST | Pune | mid-day online correspondent
Devendra Fadnavis. File Pic
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday criticised the previous UPA government over the content of NCERT history textbooks, alleging that school curricula during its tenure gave greater space to Mughal history while offering limited coverage of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
Addressing the BJP Maharashtra State Executive Meeting in Pune, Fadnavis said NCERT textbooks during the UPA era dedicated 13 pages to the Mughals while reducing the history of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj to a single passage.
He contrasted this with changes made to the curriculum under the Narendra Modi-led government, claiming that updated textbooks now devote 17 pages to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Maratha history.
Fadnavis alleged that the previous curriculum reflected selective treatment of historical figures and events.
"During the UPA era NCERT textbooks had 13 pages for the Mughals and one passage for Shivaji. During PM Modi's time the curriculum gave 17 pages to Shivaji. Initially they opposed on issues, then they targeted the Ram temple case. They tried to set a narrative that the Ram temple was looted. Their next target is the Kumbh Mela. Come and see: Kumbh tenders were awarded at 20% lower prices..." said CM Fadnavis.
The chief minister's remarks came as the BJP leadership discussed the party's political strategy and organisational priorities at its Maharashtra State Executive Meeting.
Fadnavis has repeatedly accused the Opposition of promoting what he describes as misleading narratives on issues ranging from history and religion to government projects and public expenditure.
During his address, Fadnavis also targeted the Congress over allegations and controversies related to donations and expenditure connected with the Ram temple.
He accused the Opposition of attempting to portray the issue as a case of financial wrongdoing.
The chief minister further alleged that the Opposition was now attempting to raise questions about the upcoming Trimbakeshwar MahaSimhastha Kumbh Mela scheduled for 2027.
Referring to tenders issued for work related to the event, Fadnavis said contracts had been awarded at prices around 20 per cent lower than the estimated costs.
He said the government would continue to counter allegations concerning expenditure and implementation of projects related to the religious gathering.
Earlier on Monday, Fadnavis attended the Maharashtra State Executive Committee meeting in Pune.
He also participated in the BJP Maharashtra State Office-Bearers' Meeting, chaired by BJP state president and MLA Ravindra Chavan.
In a post on social media platform X, Fadnavis launched a fresh attack on the Congress, accusing the Opposition party of opposing the construction of the Ram temple and attempting to spread what he described as misleading narratives about the upcoming Trimbakeshwar MahaSimhastha Kumbh Mela.
The BJP's state-level meetings brought together party leaders and office-bearers as the organisation reviewed political issues and discussed its broader strategy in Maharashtra.
Fadnavis also targeted the Congress over the Women's Reservation Bill, accusing the party of delaying and preventing its passage while it was in power.
He contrasted this with the record of the current BJP-led government, saying the Narendra Modi government had taken steps aimed at expanding opportunities for women and young people.
He referred to government initiatives focused on women's welfare and economic empowerment, including programmes aimed at improving access to education, employment and self-employment opportunities.
The chief minister said women's empowerment remained an important part of the BJP-led government's development agenda.
Outlining Maharashtra's economic roadmap, Fadnavis reiterated the state government's target of building a USD 1 trillion economy by 2030.
He linked the target to the broader goal of strengthening Maharashtra's economic capacity while contributing to the national vision of a developed India by 2047.
Fadnavis said the government remained committed to the goal of a developed Maharashtra alongside the national objective of transforming India into a developed country.
(With inputs from ANI)
