NCERT book shows Jaisalmer as part of Maratha Empire, attracts royal family's ire
Jaisalmer, Aug 5 (PTI): A member of the erstwhile royal family of Jaisalmer has condemned a map featured in National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) Class 8 social science textbook which depicts the princely state as part of the Maratha Empire.
Chaintanya Raj Singh termed the representation "historically misleading, factually incorrect, and seriously objectionable."
In a post on X on Monday, Singh said such unverified and historically unsubstantiated information not only raises serious questions about the credibility of institutions like NCERT but also hurts the sentiments of people and undermines the region's proud history.
Tagging Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and NCERT in the post, he urged the government to take serious note of what he called a "blatantly erroneous, malicious, and agenda-driven depiction" and to ensure immediate corrections are made.
"This is not merely a textbook error, it appears to be an attempt to distort the legacy of our ancestors, their sacrifices, sovereignty and valour," he added.
Singh said that there is no mention of Maratha control, invasion, taxation or dominance over Jaisalmer in any authentic historical sources.
"On the contrary, even our government books clearly state that the Marathas never had any involvement in the affairs of the Jaisalmer princely state," he added.
"This is not just about correcting a factual error, it concerns the dignity of our history, our self-respect, and the integrity of the national curriculum. Prompt and decisive action is expected in this matter," Singh said.
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Right to vote under threat, must be made fundamental right: Cong's Jairam Ramesh
New Delhi (PTI): Congress leader Jairam Ramesh alleged on Thursday that the right to vote is under threat and the time has come when it should be made a fundamental right for citizens.
Speaking with reporters, Ramesh lashed out at Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, saying the Election Commission (EC) has never been as compromised as it has been under him.
"The rot started under his predecessor. This man is a player and not a neutral observer," the Congress leader said, slamming Kumar.
Kumar is completely compromised and has become a player in elections, he alleged.
"Home Minister Amit Shah had talked about three Ds -- detect, delete and deport. So we want to know how many non-Indian citizens have been detected, how many have been deleted and how many have been deported," Ramesh said, adding that the right to vote is now under threat.
On opposition parties submitting a fresh notice in the Rajya Sabha, seeking to move a motion for the CEC's removal, the Congress leader said they will continue to make efforts for Kumar's removal as he is "compromised".
Ramesh also batted for the right to vote to be recognised as a fundamental right.
"I believe that the time has come that the right to vote should be made a fundamental right. It is a statutory right, it is not a fundamental right. Fundamental rights are justiciable," he said.
The former Union minister said this was discussed in the Constituent Assembly, but it was eventually decided that it should be made part of the Constitution.
B R Ambedkar and Jagjivan Ram had warned that in the future, governments might try to disenfranchise voters, he added.
"Once and for all, include the right to vote as a fundamental right for Indian citizens," Ramesh asserted.
