Archive · 20 Jul 2026
Bihar Schools Row Over Saffron Colour Plan
There's a big argument in Bihar, India, about painting new schools saffron.
The government, led by the NDA and JD(U), says it's to show prosperity and improve education.
But the opposition party, AIMIM, thinks it's wrong because they believe it's trying to promote one religion and cause problems between people.
The government says they're just focusing on making schools better, not the color.
The opposition says it's making society less united.
Both sides have different opinions on what this means for the schools and the people.
Bihar government plans to paint 551 model schools saffron, sparking controversy.
AIMIM alleges the move is an attempt at 'saffronisation' and promotion of a particular religion.
Ruling alliance defends the colour as symbolising Goddess Saraswati and prosperity, focusing on education quality.
Education Minister Mithilesh Tiwari accuses opposition of creating controversy over colours.
JD(U) leaders say the government believes in 'politics of development' and not 'politics of colour'.
- Who
- Bihar government, AIMIM, NDA, JD(U)
- What
- Controversy over painting 551 model schools saffron
- When
- July 20
- Where
- Bihar, India
- Why
- Opposition alleges 'saffronisation', ruling alliance defends as symbolising prosperity and improving education
Opposition (AIMIM)
Ruling Alliance (NDA, JD(U))
Purpose of Saffron Colour
Opposition (AIMIM)
Alleges it's an attempt at 'saffronisation' and promotion of a particular religion using taxpayers' money.
Ruling Alliance (NDA, JD(U))
Defends it as symbolising Goddess Saraswati and prosperity, focusing on improving education quality.
Impact on Society
Opposition (AIMIM)
Claims it harms the country's social fabric and democratic values, igniting animosity among people.
Ruling Alliance (NDA, JD(U))
Accuses opposition of creating controversy over colours, asserting commitment to high-tech educational arrangements.
Political Motives
Opposition (AIMIM)
Accuses the government of demolishing mosques and disrobing democracy.
Ruling Alliance (NDA, JD(U))
Says the government believes in 'politics of development' and not 'politics of colour', focusing on educational improvements.
- Number of Schools
- 551 model schools inaugurated
- Colour Controversy
- Saffron colour for schools
- Opposition Party
- AIMIM
- Ruling Alliance
- NDA, JD(U)
- Education Minister
- Mithilesh Tiwari
- JD(U) Leader
- Ashok Choudhary
- JD(U) MLC
- Khalid Anwar
- Former Chief Minister
- Nitish Kumar
Sources
Political row erupts in Bihar over saffron colour plan for 500 new model schools
Political Row Erupts In Bihar Over Saffron Colour Plan For 500 New Model Schools
Bihar Political Row Erupts As NDA Govt Orders Saffron Paint For 551 New Model Schools, Opposition Cries Communal Agenda