Congress leader Manuel Badwar has criticized Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma for using his image in a recently released student guidebook for Class X, titled CM Impact Guide Book for Students SSLC Examination 2025. The book, launched by the Chief Minister, has sparked allegations of political self-promotion.
Badwar accused the Chief Minister of using the guidebook as a strategy to boost his party’s image by influencing students and the public. He argued that while it is necessary to publicize government schemes, featuring a politician’s image for personal and political gain is inappropriate.
He also highlighted that this practice extends beyond the guidebook, noting that Conrad Sangma’s image appears on other government schemes like CM Connect, which violates a 2015 Supreme Court ruling. According to the ruling, only the President, Prime Minister, and Chief Justice of India can have their images used in such contexts.
Badwar further criticized the Chief Minister for attempting to manipulate young minds and suggested that government officers may have lost their authority, allowing consultants to influence decisions for the benefit of the Chief Minister’s image.
