The Cold War, a long-drawn period of geopolitical tensions between the Union States and the Soviet Union and their respective allies, marked the deterioration of the world order. The fight was to gain ideological superiority, and in this, children were used as ‘innocent weapons’. The traditional image of the child, a symbol for innocence and victimization, was complemented by visions of the mobilisation of the next generation in the realm of politics.
Studies revealed that the children in the Soviet Union grew up with real anxiety and fear of nuclear annihilation and were more aware of that. The same propaganda entered the psyche of children in the United States as well. In the US, teachers asked their pupils to write letters to political leaders in order to express their views about world affairs and verbalise their fears.
Children often played a central role in the iconography of monarchies as well. Something similar can be seen happening in Delhi as well, namely, using children for politics and propaganda.
‘I Love Manish Sisodia’ posters were hung outside Delhi schools
The arrest of former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia has caused a major brunt on the image of the Aam Aadmi Party and their large claims of being crusaders against corruption. Sisodia was arrested due to his alleged involvement in the infamous Delhi liquor scam while holding the excise portfolio. Earlier too, it was said that the Excise Minister had been arrested, not the Education Minister.
However, the Aam Aadmi Party has resorted to emotive politics by portraying Sisodia as the best education minister, who has reformed the education system and is being picked up by the agencies. Posters have been put up outside government schools near the Shastri Park area saying, ‘I love Manish Sisodia’.
The poster contained a large photo of Sisodia surrounded by children. And there is no requirement to say that all is being done to garner sympathy for Manish Sisodia as well as the party. Later, it was known that the school management committee (SMC) coordinator, along with the principle, had fixed the banner.
Also read: AAP is dragging Punjab back to 1980s
When the posters were being put up on Friday, the local residents protested, following which they lodged a complaint with the police. The complaint was filed by a local resident, Diwakar Pandey, for which the Delhi Police has registered a case under Section 3 of the Delhi Prevention of Defacement of Property Act at Shastri Park Police Station.
The complainant said, “They are trying to brainwash the children. We asked the principal, but he failed to recognise the seriousness of the matter, after which I lodged a complaint. The police have registered a case, taken cognizance, and assured that the culprits will be punished.”
NCPCR roped in
BJP MP Manoj Tiwari had written to the NCPCR’s Chairperson, Priyank Kanoongo, saying that “The National Capital is witnessing and experiencing an unusual form of violation of the rights and interests of the children that is not only sui generis but unprecedented. We are witnessing that the events are being planned, lined up, and managed for the political advantage of the AAP after the arrest of Manish Sisodia, who is presently in police custody.”
Also read: AAP is using Delhi budget as a buffer to save its face
Tiwari also said in his letter that by using power and position, the principals and heads of schools are being pressured, and it came to their knowledge that committees are made for coordinating with the school management committees, and in conducting such events, government resources are being used. He had also highlighted that the party had been doing so after the apex court refused to bail out Sisodia.
Based on his complaint, the NCPCR has written to the Delhi chief secretary and Commissioner of Police to file an FIR against AAP leader Atisi and take action against her for allegedly misusing children for “personal agendas.”
Update!
दिल्ली के शास्त्री पार्क थाना क्षेत्र में स्कूल के अनैतिक उपयोग पर @DelhiPolice ने #FIR दर्ज की है। https://t.co/5uUp39pfW1— प्रियंक कानूनगो Priyank Kanoongo (@KanoongoPriyank) March 4, 2023
दिल्ली में जेल में निरुद्ध शराब घोटाले के आरोपी के बचाव हेतु स्कूलों के बाहर स्टॉल लगाकर बच्चों का उपयोग करने एवं बच्चों के कोमल मन मस्तिष्क में अपराधियों के महिमा मंडन किए जाने की शिकायत मिली है।
कार्यवाही हेतु @DelhiPolice एवं दिल्ली सरकार के मुख्य सचिव को नोटिस किया जा रहा है।— प्रियंक कानूनगो Priyank Kanoongo (@KanoongoPriyank) March 3, 2023
NCPCR called for action
NCPCR, which is directing an FIR, said that “it has been informed that the Delhi Education Task Force is allegedly misusing minor children studying in schools for their personal agendas and political campaigns. The NCPCR has also alleged that the misuse of minor children is being done to “divert” attention and “favour” former Deputy CM Manish Sisodia, who is an accused in the alleged excise policy.
So, what next? The AAP has been exposed, and the veil of its propaganda is being blown away by no one else but the residents of Delhi itself, who were not okay with their innocent children being used for political purposes.
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