Row erupts in Chhattisgarh over mandatory Vedic and Bhojan mantras in government schools

School Education Minister Gajendra Yadav rejects Congress criticism, stating the initiative aims to instill discipline and cultural values rather than political agendas.

The opposition claims the new directive violates secular constitutional values, while the ruling party defends the mandatory recitations as essential for moral development. Pexels

A political controversy has erupted in Chhattisgarh after the BJP-led state government issued a directive mandating daily recitation of Vedic mantras, including the Gayatri Mantra and Saraswati Vandana, in all government schools from the new academic session beginning June 16, 2026.

The move has triggered a sharp political exchange, with the opposition Congress accusing the government of attempting to “saffronise” public education, while the ruling BJP has defended the decision as an effort to promote cultural values and moral development among students.

According to an order issued by the School Education Department, schools across the state will follow a structured daily routine aimed at “intellectual development and cultural awareness.”

The schedule includes morning assembly recitations such as the National Anthem, National Song, Deep Mantra, Saraswati Vandana, Guru Mantra, and readings from the biographies of prominent historical figures. Students will also be required to recite a “Bhojan Mantra” before lunch, while the school day will conclude with the State Song, Gayatri Mantra and Shanti Mantra.

Congress leaders have strongly opposed the directive, alleging that it violates the secular character of government schools.

“The BJP government is trying to run secular government schools on the lines of Saraswati Shishu Mandirs. Schools host children from all religions and communities, and imposing religious recitations is against the Constitution,” said Sushil Anand Shukla, chairman of the Congress Media Cell.

He further warned that the move could set a precedent for similar demands from other communities.

The ruling BJP, however, rejected the criticism, saying the initiative is non-political and focused on character building.

“Introducing these prayers is aimed at instilling discipline and values among students,” said State School Education Minister Gajendra Yadav.

The new academic session will also begin with a ‘Shala Pravesh Utsav’ on June 16, during which newly enrolled students will be welcomed with traditional tilak ceremonies.