Uttar Pradesh – A major political storm has engulfed Uttar Pradesh following the emergence of controversial educational initiatives by Samajwadi Party leaders. The PDA Pathshala UP controversy has sparked intense debate across the state, with multiple FIRs being filed against SP leaders for allegedly politicizing children’s education through what authorities describe as inappropriate teaching methods.
Viral Video Exposes Controversial Teaching Methods
The PDA Pathshala UP scandal came to light when a video from SP leader Farhad Alam Gada’s residence went viral on social media platforms. The footage showed private school children in uniform being taught what critics have labeled “politicised alphabets,” where traditional learning was replaced with political references.
In this PDA Pathshala UP session, children were reportedly taught “A for Akhilesh,” “B for Babasaheb,” “D for Dimple,” and “M for Mulayam Singh Yadav.” The video, allegedly filmed at Gada’s Ramnagar residence, quickly spread across social media, triggering widespread criticism and official action against the controversial educational approach.
Legal Action Against SP Leaders
Police officials in Saharanpur have taken swift action regarding the PDA Pathshala UP controversy. SP City Vyom Bindal confirmed that Main Singh, a resident of Kallarpur Gurjar village, filed a formal complaint against SP leader Farhad Alam Gada for conducting these politically motivated lessons.
The PDA Pathshala UP case has resulted in an FIR being lodged, marking the first official legal action against what authorities view as the inappropriate politicization of children’s education. This legal response demonstrates the seriousness with which law enforcement agencies are treating these allegations of educational misconduct.
Akhilesh Yadav’s Defiant Response
Samajwadi Party President Akhilesh Yadav has launched a fierce defense of the PDA Pathshala UP initiative, strongly criticizing the state government’s decision to file FIRs. In a social media post, he drew historical comparisons to express his outrage over the legal action.
“Even the British did not file an FIR for studying,” Yadav wrote, characterizing the PDA Pathshala UP controversy as evidence of the BJP’s “anti-education face.” His response suggests that the SP leadership views these educational initiatives as legitimate political activities rather than inappropriate indoctrination of children.
SP Leader’s Educational Philosophy Defense
Farhad Gada has offered his own justification for the PDA Pathshala UP controversy, arguing that the sessions were not merely about teaching alphabets. He claimed the initiative aimed to familiarize children with what he described as “great men of Samajwadi ideology.”
Furthermore, Gada has announced ambitious plans to expand the PDA Pathshala UP concept throughout the district, indicating that the SP leadership remains committed to this educational approach despite the legal challenges and public criticism it has generated.
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Multiple Districts Face Similar Controversies
The PDA Pathshala UP controversy has extended beyond Saharanpur, with similar incidents emerging in other districts. In Kanpur’s Bilhaur block, SP leader Rachna Singh Gautam faces an FIR for allegedly conducting an unauthorized PDA Pathshala UP session outside a government primary school in Shahampur Garhi village.
Additionally, another PDA Pathshala UP related case has emerged in Bhadohi, where SP leaders and approximately a dozen others face charges for allegedly involving schoolchildren in protests against the state government’s school merger plans. These multiple incidents suggest a coordinated effort across different districts.
Legal Violations and Regulatory Breaches
Officials have identified numerous legal violations in the PDA Pathshala UP incidents. The charges include misusing government premises, spreading misinformation, and inappropriately politicizing children’s education. The cases also involve alleged breaches of IT Act provisions and Right to Education (RTE) Act regulations.
The PDA Pathshala UP controversy in Bilhaur particularly concerns authorities because it occurred without proper authorization from local educational authorities. Despite objections from school staff, the sessions reportedly continued, demonstrating a disregard for established educational protocols and administrative oversight.
Educational Content and Social Media Circulation
Block Education Officer Ravi Kumar Singh has provided detailed evidence regarding the PDA Pathshala UP sessions, including photographs and videos submitted to district administration. These materials reportedly show students reciting SP-related political phrases and being exposed to allegedly incorrect educational content.
The PDA Pathshala UP controversy has been further amplified by the circulation of these materials on social media platforms. Officials report that some of the accused leaders themselves shared videos of these sessions, seemingly proud of their educational initiatives despite the growing criticism and legal challenges.
PDA Campaign Integration with Education
The PDA Pathshala UP initiative appears closely linked to the Samajwadi Party’s broader PDA (Pichhda, Dalit, Alpsankhyak) campaign strategy. Children were allegedly taught political slogans and references directly tied to this campaign near school premises, raising concerns about the appropriate boundaries between political activism and educational activities.
Broader Implications for Educational Politics
The PDA Pathshala UP controversy highlights the ongoing tension between political parties and educational institutions in Uttar Pradesh. The incident raises fundamental questions about the appropriate role of political organizations in children’s education and the boundaries that should exist between political advocacy and academic instruction.
As the PDA Pathshala UP controversy continues to unfold, it represents a significant challenge for both the ruling BJP government and the opposition Samajwadi Party, with each side claiming to defend educational values while pursuing their political objectives through different approaches to this sensitive issue.
