Narendra Modi's Educational Degree Controversy

 

Narendra Modi's Educational Degree Controversy

Narendra Modi, the current Prime Minister of India, has faced ongoing scrutiny and controversy regarding his educational degrees since entering national politics. Based on his official election affidavits and statements from the institutions involved, Modi claims to hold a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in Political Science from Delhi University (completed in 1978 via distance education) and a Master of Arts (MA) degree in Political Science from Gujarat University (completed in 1983). However, opponents, including leaders from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and other opposition figures, have repeatedly questioned the authenticity of these qualifications through Right to Information (RTI) requests, leading to legal battles and public debates. The universities have confirmed the degrees exist but have resisted full disclosure of records, citing privacy concerns and RTI limitations. As of 2025, no definitive court ruling has invalidated the degrees, but the issue remains a point of political contention.

The Controversy: Key Allegations and Responses

The debate intensified around 2016 when Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal (AAP) accused Modi of fabricating his degrees, sparking a media frenzy and social media speculation. Critics argued that Modi's early self-deprecating comments about being "uneducated" or leaving home young contradicted his claims. RTI activist Roshan Shah and others filed requests for records, but responses were evasive. Here's a breakdown of the main points of contention:

        Discrepancies in Documents:

    • Name variations: Marks sheets list "Narendra Kumar Damodar Das Modi" or "Narendra Damodar Das Modi," while the degree uses "Narendra Damodar Das Modi." Delhi University called these "minor errors" common in records.
    • Dates: The BA marksheet is from 1977, but the degree states 1978 (graduation year). Officials explained this as Modi repeating exams, which extended the timeline.
    • Subject for MA: "Entire Political Science" is not a recognized course at Gujarat University, leading to claims of fabrication. Supporters argue it was an internal or outdated terminology.
       RTI and Legal Battles:
  • RTI requests to Delhi University (DU) and Gujarat University for inspection of records were denied or challenged in court. In 2016, DU's registrar confirmed the degree's authenticity but refused full access, citing student privacy under the RTI Act.
  • The Central Information Commission (CIC) ordered DU to allow inspection in 2017, but DU appealed to the Delhi High Court, which is still pending as of recent reports.
  • In 2023, the Gujarat High Court quashed a CIC order for Gujarat University to release Modi's MA records, fining Kejriwal ₹25,000 for "casual" use of RTI and calling it an "indiscriminate misuse." The court noted no public interest in disclosing personal academic details.
  • Activists like Anjali Bhardwaj intervened, arguing that as a public figure, Modi's qualifications should be transparent, especially since he swears by them in affidavits (falsifying which is illegal under oath).

Why the Issue Persists

Modi has never personally addressed the discrepancies in detail, contributing to the mystery. Supporters view it as an unnecessary distraction from his achievements, while detractors see it as a symbol of opacity in governance. Legally, there's no minimum education requirement for India's PM, but affidavits must be truthful. The controversy peaked during elections (2014, 2019, 2024) but simmers on, with RTI activists arguing it tests the RTI Act's limits on public officials' transparency.

In summary, while official records support Modi's claimed degrees, unresolved discrepancies and institutional secrecy keep the debate alive. For the latest developments, monitoring court cases in Delhi and Gujarat High Courts is key, as they could provide final clarity.

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