Yogendra Yadav, Suhas Palshikar slam NCERT for retaining their names in revised textbooks

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."

Political scientists Yogendra Yadav and Suhas Palshikar, on June 17, wrote to NCERT, objecting to including their names in new textbooks despite their disassociation from the revisions. They threatened legal action if the books with their names were not withdrawn immediately.

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 were chief advisors for the textbooks, had previously criticized the rationalization exercise for "mutilating" the books beyond recognition and demanded 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 with 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 cause 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 the withdrawal of association by any one member is not feasible.