Priyanka Gandhi Vadra calls NEP ‘ideological brainwashing’, Education Minister says ‘political opportunism’

Responding to Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra’s remarks that the National Education Policy 2020 and the PM SHRI initiative had been brought in by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party to “brainwash children according to their own ideology”, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Thursday (October 30, 2025) referred to this as a “glaring display of ignorance and political opportunism”.

Mr. Pradhan, in a post on social media on Thursday (October 30), referred to Ms. Vadra’s remarks posted by the Congress’ X account, and said: “By making such irresponsible and misleading statements, she not only distorts facts but disrespects the collective wisdom of India’s educators, academicians, and citizens who shaped these historic reforms.”

‘Factual inacurracies’

Speaking to the media in Wayanad, her Lok Sabha constituency, Ms. Vadra accused the government of inserting “so many factual inaccuracies”, “removing and changing” historical data, and “ideologically, it’s entirely leaning one way”. Her statement further said, “That’s not healthy for children’s education. They should have a large perspective, and if they have different ideologies, they should all be educated about them to ensure they are aware of them.”

“We are against it, and we oppose it. I had hoped that the State government in Kerala would have opposed it too, but I’m surprised they haven’t,” she said.

Mr. Pradhan, in his response to these comments, defended the NEP 2020 as the result of “one of the most exhaustive and inclusive consultation processes ever undertaken”, further saying that the PM SHRI initiative was a “living embodiment” of the vision outlined in the NEP 2020.

He added that the PM SHRI schools “blend modernity with moral strength, technology with tradition, and innovation with inclusion,” further saying, “If empowering children with innovation, critical thinking, and pride in Bharat’s heritage is ‘ideological’, then yes, the ideology is nation-building.”

Opinion: NEP 2020 in the classroom, from policy to practice

Exemplar schools: Pradhan

“The policy seeks to modernise the education system with an emphasis on inclusion, equity, quality learning, and global competitiveness, while remaining firmly anchored in India’s civilisational ethos,” he said, adding that PM SHRI schools were “exemplar schools” that “represent the future of Indian education”.

Highlighting features that mark this initiative, the Education Minister pointed out smart classrooms, Atal Tinkering and Innovation Labs, digital and experiential learning, libraries, eco-friendly campuses, vocational and skill hubs, and inclusive spaces for every child.

In his post, Mr. Pradhan added, “To oppose such visionary initiatives is not to critique policy; it is to stand against the very idea of an India that no longer needs approval from old political dynasties to educate its children. Perhaps the discomfort stems from the fact that for decades, education was reduced to political rhetoric and neglect. Now that reforms are actually being implemented, it is convenient for some to feign outrage rather than acknowledge success.”