Tuesday, 21 July 2026 MUMBAI EDITION LIVE

Bihar Govt Paints Model Schools Saffron Amidst Row

Bihar's model schools get saffron paint, sparking controversy. Opposition parties react

Mumbai Alert · Politics Desk
Mumbai Alert · Politics Desk
Politics Desk · Mumbai Alert News · Mon, 20 July 2026 at 11:15 pm
Bihar Govt Paints Model Schools Saffron Amidst Row

The Bihar government has sparked a political row by deciding to paint its model schools in a saffron palette. On Sunday, Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary inaugurated 551 model schools, which have been renamed as Saraswati Vidya Niketan. The decision to paint these schools saffron has been met with criticism from opposition parties.

The JD (U) national working president and MP, Sanjay Kumar Jha, stated that education has no colour and should not be given any particular hue. He emphasized that education is for everyone and should not be politicized. Senior JD (U) leader and Bihar food and consumer protection minister, Ashok Choudhary, countered that the opposition should focus on the quality of education rather than the colour of school buildings.

State AIMIM president, Akhtarul Iman, alleged that the government is trying to promote a particular religion using taxpayers' money. He claimed that the government is not only saffronising schools but also the entire nation, and that this is leading to the erosion of democracy. JD (U) MLC, Khalid Anwar, said that the government believes in the politics of development, not the politics of colour.

Bihar education minister, Mithilesh Tiwari, defended the decision, stating that saffron is a symbol of prosperity. He added that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has resolved to make India a developed nation, and the chief minister is working to make Bihar a prosperous state. Tiwari asserted that those questioning the government should understand the issue seriously.

The controversy surrounding the saffron paint has highlighted the ongoing debate about the role of religion in education. While the government claims that the colour is a symbol of prosperity, opposition parties argue that it is an attempt to impose a particular ideology on students.

The decision to paint model schools saffron is part of a larger effort by the Bihar government to rebrand its education system. The 551 model schools, which cover classes 9 to 12, are intended to provide high-quality education to students. However, the controversy surrounding the saffron paint has raised questions about the government's priorities and its commitment to secularism.

In the midst of this controversy, it is essential to consider the impact of such decisions on the education system and the students. The government's decision to paint model schools saffron has sparked a heated debate, with some arguing that it is an attempt to impose a particular ideology on students, while others see it as a symbol of prosperity.

The row over the saffron paint has also highlighted the ongoing tensions between the ruling NDA government and opposition parties in Bihar. The controversy is likely to continue, with both sides dug in on their positions. As the debate rages on, it remains to be seen how the government will respond to the criticism and whether the decision to paint model schools saffron will have a lasting impact on the education system in Bihar.

In conclusion, the Bihar government's decision to paint model schools saffron has sparked a significant controversy, with opposition parties arguing that it is an attempt to impose a particular ideology on students. While the government claims that the colour is a symbol of prosperity, the debate highlights the ongoing tensions between the ruling government and opposition parties in Bihar. The impact of this decision on the education system and the students remains to be seen, but it is clear that the controversy will continue to be a major point of discussion in the state's politics.

Frequently asked questions

Why is the Bihar government painting model schools saffron?

The government claims that saffron is a symbol of prosperity and aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's resolve to make India a developed nation.

What is the opposition's reaction to the decision?

Opposition parties, including JD (U) and AIMIM, have criticized the decision, stating that education has no colour and that the government is trying to impose a particular ideology on students.

biharsaffroneducationpoliticsndajdu
X Facebook Telegram
Read the original report ↗

More in Politics

Politics

PM Modi Calls NEET Leak a National Issue

NEET leak sparks concern, PM Modi weighs in. Clashes erupt during protest.

By Mumbai Alert · Politics Desk · 42 min ago

Politics

RDAs Seek President's Help in Wangchuk Case

Two hospital RDAs intervene, seeking help from the President.

By Mumbai Alert · Politics Desk · 59 min ago

Politics

Madhya Pradesh Rains: 14 Districts Record Surplus Rainfall

Madhya Pradesh witnesses uneven monsoon, Bhopal receives overnight rainfall, Dewas records highest surplus

By Mumbai Alert · Politics Desk · 1 hr ago

Politics

PM Modi Calls NEET Paper Leak 'Grave Sin'

PM Modi vows strict punishment for accused, NEET paper leak sparks protests

By Mumbai Alert · Politics Desk · 1 hr ago