Mumbai, (The Hindu): The Congress has alleged that the new Class X textbooks of the Maharashtra State Board for History are distorting history, and that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led State government is saffronising education on the lines of Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.

A chapter in the textbook informs students about political parties in the State. In a paragraph describing the BJP, the textbook reads, “The party stands for the protection of Indian culture and traditions.” In another paragraph titled, ‘What do you think?’ the textbook reads, “Family monopoly in politics is a major problem before democracy in India. Monopoly of just one family in politics reduces democratic space. Common people cannot participate in the public sector.”

Congress spokesperson Sachin Sawant on Wednesday said the information paints a pro-BJP picture and targets the Congress by bringing up issues of ‘family monopoly.’ The BJP has called it baseless, saying the information was there last year too. Mr. Sawant said, “Students should not be given wrong information based on half-truths. They should not be fed with distorted history. The reason why citizens above 18 can vote is that by then they can analyse the political situation on their own. Feeding young students with wrong information should not be allowed.”

Education Minister Vinod Tawde said the allegations were baseless, and that the Opposition is indulging in to petty issues since they have nothing to say against the government. He said, “The information shared in this year’s books is similar to that mentioned last year. The Opposition should do their homework better before making allegations.”