Cong feeder organisations to strengthen stir against book

Thiruvananthapuram, Jul 29 (UNI) The Political Affairs Committee of the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) today decided to strengthen the ongoing agitations led by the Youth Congress and the Kerala Students Union (KSU) against the controversial Class VII social studies textbook.

Talking to newspersons after the meeting here, KPCC President Ramesh Chennithala said despite opposition from all quarters against the contents of the book, Education Minister M A Baby was sticking to his ''adamant'' attitude in this regard.

Extending all support to the agitating youth and student organisations, he said it was because of the Minister's ''uncompromising'' stand on the issue that they were forced to continue the agitation.

Reiterating that the Congress would extend its total support to its feeder organisations to strengthen the ongoing agitation on the issue, he said it would organise public meetings in all the districts.

Mr Chennithala said the Congress was not ready for any talks on the matter, without the government withdrawing the controversial social science book.

Later, the pro-Congress Kerala Students Union State President Hybi Eden said the state committee decided to observe education bandh on August five, demanding withdrawal of the controversial book.

As part of their third phase of agitation, the KSU would distribute a social science book, prepared by it in all schools in the state, he said, adding that a copy would also be presented to the Minister.

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