A trust run by a BJP leader Dilip Sanghani has made it mandatory for students seeking admission to its educational institutions in Gujarat to write 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai' in their application forms to secure admission, escalating the controversy surrounding this slogan.
Those who refuse will not be given the admission, according to the trust.
The direction by Amreli-based Shree Patel Vidhyarthi Ashram Trust, established by Sanghani's forefathers a century ago, sparked condemnation from the Congress which said it was an attempt by BJP to divert people's attention from core issues while senior advocate Girish Patel said it violated several fundamental rights including the right to education.
The trust runs two high schools, a primary school and a college in the region giving admission to more than 1,500 students.
Justifying the decision, Sanghani linked it to the recent events at the Jawaharlal Nehru University(JNU).
"Time has come to rejuvenate the spirit of patriotism among students, especially after anti-India slogans were (allegedly) shouted at JNU campus in Delhi. Opposing the chanting of 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai' is like opposing the country. We have to inculcate the values of patriotism among children," he said, speaking to PTI.
"We have decided that admission will be given to only those who write the slogan on admission form. Just as it is not compulsory to write it, it is also not mandatory for those who don't write it to enrol in our institutes. Those who want to take admission, must show their commitment towards the country," the former MLA from Amreli added.
Gujarat Congress spokesperson Manish Doshi said the direction was an attempt by the BJP to divert people's attention from core issues.
"People from BJP and RSS never took part in the freedom struggle. Yet they try to preach everyone patriotism. As a part of their national strategy, BJP leaders are raising this issue to cover up their failures. Patriotism is certainly not what BJP is preaching," said Doshi.
Girish Patel said admissions cannot be denied by framing rules like the one brought out by Sanghani's trust.
"Right to Education is a fundamental right and all the schools have to abide by the provisions of Right To Education Act. You cannot deny admission by enacting such rules. Further, freedom of speech also gives me the right not to speak. To compel someone to speak or write 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai' is a violation of fundamental rights," Patel said.
Former vice chancellor of Gujarat University Parimal Trivedi said patriotism cannot be linked with the educational matters in this manner.
"The Indian Constitution does not compel anyone to say 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai'. This slogan indicates our commitment to our country. But we should not link it to the admission process. It will not stand in the court if challenged," said Trivedi.
