Kolkata, 10 July (H.S.): A major controversy has erupted in West Bengal after a question in a history exam paper at Vidyasagar University in Midnapore referred to Indian freedom fighters as terrorists. The issue has sparked sharp political and social reactions, raising concerns about the state's education system and its handling of historical narratives.

The contentious question read: Name the three district magistrates of Midnapore who were killed by terrorists. The phrasing has drawn widespread criticism for allegedly labeling Indian revolutionaries, who fought against British colonial rule, as terrorists. The incident is being seen as an affront to Bengal’s rich legacy in India’s freedom struggle.

Civil society members, historians, and academics have strongly condemned the question, questioning the ideological stance and competence of those responsible for preparing the paper. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has written to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Education Minister Bratya Basu, demanding identification and strict action against those accountable.

While no official statement has yet come from either the Chief Minister or the Education Minister, the university’s registrar, J.K. Nandi, has acknowledged the error and termed it a “typing mistake.” He informed the media that an emergency meeting has been convened to investigate the matter and ensure such lapses do not recur.

The Communist Party of India (Marxist) has seized the opportunity to criticize both the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the BJP, accusing them of distorting historical facts for political purposes. The party claims this incident is part of a broader pattern of historical revisionism.

In a rare instance, even the district unit of the ruling TMC condemned the language used in the question paper, calling the error unforgivable and stating that describing freedom fighters as terrorists is unacceptable.

The controversy comes at a time when questions are already being raised about the credibility of West Bengal’s education system. That such an incident has occurred in a university named after the revered social reformer Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar has only deepened concerns about the direction and oversight of education in the state.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh