
Education reform or political expediency: BJP questions CPM's intentions
Rajeev Chandrasekhar is an Indian entrepreneur, politician, and technocrat serving as the state president of the BJP Kerala. He has over two decades of political experience. Chandrasekhar was a Minister of State for Electronics and IT, Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, and Jal Shakti in the Narendra Modi government. He served three terms as a Rajya Sabha MP from Karnataka and held positions as the BJP's national spokesperson and vice-chairman of the NDA's Kerala unit.
In an exclusive interview to The Hindu, Rajeev Chandrasekhar criticizes the CPM's sudden shift in supporting private universities in Kerala, labeling it as opportunistic and a compromise on ideological grounds. He highlights the party's history of opposing reforms, only to later adopt them. Mr. Chandrasekhar praises the National Education Policy (NEP) for modernising higher education and transforming India into a global knowledge superpower. He emphasizes the need for transparency and accountability in university governance, suggesting the inclusion of Governor's nominees in university senates.
Excerpts from the interview
As the BJP State President, can you share your party's stance on the Private Universities Bill passed by the Kerala government? How do you perceive the LDF's sudden shift from opposing privatisation to embracing it with social regulation?
This sudden focus on education after presiding over nine years of neglect, apathy, and violence in campuses, while welcome, is too little, too late.
The Left in general, and the CPM in particular, have a long history of initially opposing reforms - be it the mechanisation of agriculture, technology, the Kochi International Airport, or the Vizhinjam Sea Port, only to embrace them once in power. The same pattern holds for private universities. History reminds us that they now quietly adopt what they once vehemently opposed.
So, the CPM's current support for private universities, after years of resistance, comes as no surprise. It was the SFI brigades, nurtured by the very same CPM, who attacked career diplomat-turned-educationist, T. P. Sreenivasan, accusing him of promoting the 'commercialisation of higher education.' This label, often thrown around by the Left, has long been their default response to any form of educational reform. Sreenivasan's only 'offense' was attempting, as Vice Chairman of the Kerala State Higher Education Council, to bring foreign universities to the state.
We've also witnessed the CPM's glaring insincerity: while ordinary SFI cadres were beaten on the streets across Kerala for staging strikes over baseless allegations of higher education privatization, the children of party leaders — including Pinarayi Vijayan — were comfortably pursuing degrees in private institutions outside the State.
The CPI(M)'s current, stark departure from its long-standing opposition to the privatization of education is nothing short of opportunistic, a clear case of sacrificing its own ideological principles for political convenience.
In contrast, the National Education Policy (NEP) envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi represents a bold and forward-looking attempt to modernize higher education. Rooted in Indian ethos and aligned with global best practices, the NEP is designed to transform India into a global knowledge superpower. As the Prime Minister aptly said, NEP 2020 is 'the nation's intellectual renaissance, more than a reform.' It aims to build a self-reliant and globally competitive India through education and innovation — laying the foundation for a skilled, empowered nation as we move toward the vision of a Developed India by 2047, during the 'Amrit Kaal.'
In the meantime, it remains unclear how well the provisions outlined in the Kerala State Private Universities (Establishment and Regulation) Bill, 2025 align with or support the broader national vision set forth by the NEP.
Does this change in stance indicate a pragmatic approach or a compromise on ideological grounds? Furthermore, will the BJP support or contest this bill, and what are the key concerns or suggestions your party has regarding the implementation of private universities in Kerala?
It's quite clear that the CPM's shift in stance on private universities is nothing but a complete compromise of the very ideologies they had preached for years.
It indicates simply this - that they were wrong all this while and have now woken up. Meanwhile for several years students have fled to universities outside the state - which is why as one newspaper reported upto 30% of undergraduate seats are vacant
There are allegations that the implementation of the Four-Year Undergraduate Programme (FYUP) under the BJP's New Education Policy (NEP) compromise the quality of higher education in India due to inadequate groundwork and potential politicization of the education sector?
That is not an allegation - that's political misinformation and propaganda being pushed by some parties. The truth is this - NEP 2020 has introduced the Four-Year Undergraduate Program (FYUGP) as the new standard for bachelor's degrees, replacing the traditional three-year format. This transformative shift is designed to offer a more comprehensive and flexible education, allowing students to exit at various stages with recognized qualifications. For example, students can receive a certificate after one year, a diploma after two years, and a bachelor's degree after three years.
The four-year degree can also lead to a bachelor's degree with research. One of the most empowering aspects of FYUGP is the flexibility it offers: students can design their own degree by selecting subjects across different disciplines, tailoring their education to their interests and career goals and give them flexible and evolving career choice decision making.
Any program on its initial phase of implementation will have teething challenges which can be resolved, through determination and vision for the future and that is what will happen in the FYUGP also.
Does the University Amendment Bill passed by the Kerala Legislative Assembly strike a balance between accountability and autonomy, or does it undermine the independence of universities by significantly curtailing the powers of Vice-Chancellors and Chancellors, potentially jeopardizing academic freedom and institutional self-governance?
The CPM government in Kerala is infamously known for its ongoing tussle with the Governor, who, as per the Statutes, serves as the Chancellor of universities. Clearly, its reputation is not to improve the quality of the State's higher education and research sectors. Instead, it is marked by a tendency to appoint party loyalists, often with questionable competencies, in key academic positions, including vice chancellors, members of the senate, and other academic bodies. There are numerous instances where close relatives of political leaders have been 'gifted' positions at universities, ranging from assistant professors to researchers.
In this context, I fail to see how the current amendments will lead to any significant improvements in the quality of education.
Should the Governor's nominees be included in the university senate to ensure transparency and accountability in the university's functioning, given the Governor's role as Chancellor and the potential for disputes with the state's political executive?
Yes, including the Governor's nominees in the university senate can enhance transparency and accountability, especially considering the Governor's constitutional role as Chancellor of state universities.
The inclusion acts as a counterweight to potential political interference by the state executive. It ensures that university governance doesn't become monopolized by any single political ideology. His/her nominees can offer a more balanced, non-partisan view in academic decision-making. Governor's nominees, often academics, educationists, or experienced professionals, can bring diverse expertise, helping improve institutional standards and integrity.
Ironically, while state governments often claim to protect university autonomy, we know much that CPM in particular has politicized universities, campuses and education. Having Governor-nominated members helps restore equilibrium and protects academic spaces from becoming political or violence battlegrounds.
As the former Minister of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, you've played an important role in India's skill development landscape. Kerala faces a unique challenge in bridging the gap between education and employability. What strategies would you propose to address this issue, and how do you plan to leverage your experience to promote entrepreneurship and skill development in the state?
The future will look very different from today. Countries, including India, see their youth as their most valuable assets. I often say, Investments will go to where skills are, and youth with skills will go to where opportunities are. So skills and talent aren't outlier issues. These are core to a state's competitiveness and capability to attract investments and for growth.
Skill development and upskilling of youth in India are crucial for enhancing employability and preparing them for the digital age. The Narendra Modi government is committed to equipping our young people with the necessary skills, particularly in light of India's demographic dividend and the opportunities presented by digital transformation.
The Future Ready, Job Ready Skills program, under the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY), aligns with the visionary goal of Viksit Bharat by 2047, as outlined by PM Narendra Modi. The initiative targets 4 lakh youth in Kerala over the next three to four years, ensuring they are equipped with the relevant skills.
Kerala has the highest unemployment rates among all states. After decades of Congress and Left government rule, this is the legacy left for generations of Kerala's youth. According to the Periodic Labour Force Survey, an alarming 47.1% of females and 19.3% of males in the prime working-age group are unemployed.
This is the current situation: a lack of investment has led to a shortage of employment opportunities, causing many young people to migrate from Kerala to other states and countries—often to work in risky and sometimes unsafe conditions.
It is time for the youth of Kerala to shine with future-ready skills. Kerala should progress along with other parts of India, and a better future must be created for our youth. Investors should be encouraged to come here; this will be the immediate mission for BJP in Kerala.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Hans India
34 minutes ago
- Hans India
AP sports policy among the best in country: SAAP chairman
Rajamahendravaram: Andhra Pradesh has introduced one of the best sports policies in the country, thanks to Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu's strong commitment to the development of sports, said Sports Authority of Andhra Pradesh (SAAP) Chairman Ravi Naidu. Inaugurating the Godavari Pushkaralu Indoor Sports Complex at Venkataramaiah Nagar in the second division on Wednesday, he said that Andhra Pradesh's sports policy goes beyond those of other Indian states. Foundation stones were laid for 142 development projects and inauguration ceremonies were held for 19 works, totalling Rs 58.41 crore in investments. Speaking at the public gathering, Ravi Naidu stated that the new policy includes a comprehensive plan to promote sports from the grassroots level. The reservation quota for sportspersons in government jobs has been increased from 2% to 3%, and Olympic gold medalists will now be rewarded with Rs 7 crore and a Group 1 government job. In the latest DSC notification, 421 posts have been reserved under the sports quota, Naidu said. He also mentioned that athletes achieving success at the state and national levels are being given significant support by the government. Expressing his delight over the inauguration of the Indoor Sports Complex, he said that after Tirupati, Rajamahendravaram is the only city in the state to offer rifle shooting facilities. Plans are underway to introduce water sports shortly as well. Municipal Commissioner Ketan Garg said the government is giving priority to sports and is providing the necessary infrastructure to support athletes. He also stated that 25 parks are being beautifully developed, and efforts are being made to improve 20 traffic junctions across the city. Rajamahendravaram City MLA Adireddy Srinivas said that the government aims to transform the city into a major sports hub. The Godavari Pushkaralu Indoor Sports Complex will stand as a milestonein the city's history, created not just to offer basic amenities to pilgrims during Pushkaralu, but also to promote sports, he added. The complex was built with a total budget of Rs 3.41 crore, Rs 1.91 crore from municipal general funds, and Rs 1.5 crore from SAAP funds. It includes facilities for carroms, chess, table tennis, shooting, snooker, billiards, and a gym. It is expected to generate an annual revenue of Rs 10 lakh for the municipal corporation. MLA added that under the Khelo India initiative, a multi-purpose sports complex worth Rs 50 crore is being planned at the city's lorry stand area. Speaking on the occasion, MLC Somu Veerraju described Khelo India as a remarkable initiative aimed at identifying and nurturing sports talent. He said the objective is to enable Indian athletes to make their mark on the global sporting stage by providing the necessary facilities and encouragement. AP Settibalija Corporation Chairman Kudupudi Sattibabu, Ex-Corporator Varre Srinivas, JSP leader Y Srinivas, SE (Engineering) M Ch Koteswara Rao, Executive Engineers P Rita and Madhavi, CMM Ramalakshmi, and other municipal officials and staff participated.


Hans India
an hour ago
- Hans India
11 Years Of NDA Rule: India's infra boom driving ‘Ease of Living', says Modi
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said it has been 11 years of infrastructure revolution and asserted that India's rapidly expanding infrastructure network is boosting 'Ease of Living' and enhancing prosperity. "It's been #11YearsOfInfraRevolution, with outstanding infrastructure being added that has enhanced India's growth trajectory," Modi said on X. From railways to highways, ports to airports, India's rapidly expanding infrastructure network is boosting 'Ease of Living' and enhancing prosperity, the PM said. Modi shared a thread from a government's citizen engagement platform that highlighted new India's infrastructure development over the last 11 years. "Smart Cities. Safer Roads. Smoother Commutes- #NewIndia's Infrastructure Promise. India's infrastructure is racing into the future under PM @narendramodi's leadership," the post on the MyGovIndia read. "It's a journey where steel and spirit merge, and each milestone carries the hopes of a billion. Highways that shorten distances, bridges that unite communities, and digital networks that spark innovation - India is building more than infrastructure. It's building confidence, connectivity and a beautiful canvas for every Indian dream," it said. The thread highlighted that the momentum shift isn't just about progress - it's about a promise to uplift every citizen and transform India's future. In another post, Modi said, "India's push for next-gen infrastructure is powered by sustainability and long term vision." It is laying the foundations of a self-reliant India, he said.


Indian Express
an hour ago
- Indian Express
Amid buzz over Jayant Patil's exit, fresh NCP(SP) faces join race to replace him
At the 26th foundation day celebrations of his party Tuesday, Maharashtra NCP(SP) president Jayant Patil created a stir as he offered to resign from his post for the second time within a year claiming 'the opportunity to lead the party should be given to a new face'. Even as Patil's statement saw an uproar from party workers, unlike last time, it has triggered speculations about his successor and possible exit from the NCP(SP) after the party's patriarch Sharad Pawar indicated that it would 'look for new faces to lead'. In his address, Pawar did not insist that Patil continue in his post and also did not praise his leadership, merely saying, 'I will sit and discuss the issue (of electing a new state president) with prominent leaders of the party. We will take a collective decision. We want to ensure that a new face leads the party in every district and taluka. We will work to create a new generation of party workers and leaders across the state.' Pawar's comments have led a section of NCP(SP) leaders to believe that Patil may not stay in the party if he steps down. 'The doors of the BJP are open for him (Jayant Patil). Evidence to this is Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis's frequent praise of Patil on the floor of the Assembly. He may join the BJP or the (Ajit Pawar-led) NCP,' an NCP(SP) leader said on the condition of anonymity. However, veteran NCP leader Ankush Kakde, who is seen to be close to Sharad Pawar, claimed there was 'no immediate worry about leadership'. 'I think Patil will be at the helm till the (upcoming) civic polls,' he said. Meanwhile, Pawar's announcement has put the spotlight on the NCP(SP)'s young leaders like former ministers Jitendra Awhad, Rajesh Tope and Shashikant Shinde, Lok Sabha MP Amol Kolhe and Pawar's grandnephew Rohit Pawar, who are seen to be in the running to replace Patil. Key contenders Rohit and Patil have had strained ties. In June last year, at the party's foundation day event, Rohit was the first leader to target Patil over issues concerning the party's functioning. While reprimanding Rohit for raking up such issues publicly, Patil had then offered to quit as state president, saying he would remain in the post only till the Assembly elections (held in November 2024). However, Rohit offered an olive branch and said he had no intention to lead the party and subsequently 'praised' Patil's work. Though this time there are hardly any dissenting voices against Patil, sources said one of the key reasons for him offering to quit his post are the number of Enforcement Directorate (ED) cases against him, like the one over his alleged involvement in the IF&FS scam. Since the ED's summons to Patil in 2023, the IF&FS case has not moved forward. Sources in the BJP said that 'Patil's amicable relations with Fadnavis have worked to his advantage'. Awhad, on the other hand, is seen to be close to Pawar Senior as well as Baramati MP Supriya Sule, Pawar's daughter. Seen as strong voice which takes on the ruling Mahayuti strongly over various issues, the OBC leader is seen to have made a place for himself among the Maratha community for his attacks on former minister Dhananjay Munde and his supporters over the murder of Massajog sarpanch Sanjay Deshmukh. Another frontrunner in the reckoning to replace Patil, Shashikant Shinde is an MLC, who had been an MLA from Satara district several times. He lost narrowly to the BJP's Udayanraje Bhosale from the Satara Lok Sabha seat in last year's polls. Tope, who hails from Jalna and had drawn praise for his handling of the Covid-19 pandemic as state health minister in the previous Uddhav Thackeray-led Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government, has a clean image. Sule in the running? Even as sources said Sule was only keen to take over the reins of the NCP(SP) at the national level if Pawar Senior decides to step away, a section of the party believes she should take over the mantle from Patil. 'Pawar saheb is our national leader and Sule should take charge of Maharashtra, a key state for the party… She is a capable leader who has proved her credentials. Recently, she even represented the country abroad (as the head of one of the multi-party delegations for global outreach on Operation Sindoor) and drew accolades. Even the Prime Minister (Narendra Modi) trusted her,' NCP (SP) leader Mahesh Tapase said.