Ludhiana, Feb. 3 -- The opposition in Punjab has launched a sharp attack on the ruling Aam Aadmi Party after the state education department ordered the repainting of over 800 government schools in colours critics say closely resemble the party's flag. Opposition leaders have called the move a reflection of the AAP's "double standards," alleging the party is using public institutions to project its political identity despite earlier promises to reform education and healthcare.

Official directions from the office of the Director General of School Education (DGSE) specify that 852 government schools (middle, high and senior secondary institutions), including around 70 from Ludhiana, are to be repainted in the first phase. The order instruct...