A day after the Supreme Court ruled that a central university could be considered a minority institution, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath seized the opportunity to target the Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) in a politically charged rally. While addressing the voters in Aligarh’s Khair constituency, UP CM Yogi Adityanath launched a sharp critique of AMU’s minority status and accused the institution of failing to provide reservations for Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Castes (OBC), while allegedly giving preferential treatment to Muslims.
During an election rally in Khair, a reserved seat in Aligarh district set to vote on November 20, Adityanath raised concerns about Aligarh Muslim University’s (AMU) reservation policies. He questioned how a university supported by taxpayer money could ignore the Mandal Commission’s rules by not providing reservations to disadvantaged groups like SCs, STs, and OBCs. He also pointed out that AMU seeks to reserve 50% of its seats for Muslims in academic courses, which he found contradictory to its public funding. His main argument was that AMU, as a publicly funded institution, should follow reservation policies meant to ensure social justice.
A Catchphrase That Resonates
At the rally, Adityanath also revived his now-familiar catchphrase, “batenge to katenge” (if we divide, we will be cut). This slogan has gained traction in recent months, especially as the BJP shifts its focus toward cementing unity among Hindu castes ahead of elections. The Chief Minister linked this theme to historical grievances, referencing the long-standing disputes over Ram Janmabhoomi, Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi, and Kashi Vishwanath. According to Adityanath, the division among Hindus had led to a series of humiliations at these religious sites.
Adityanath emphasized the consequences of division, recalling past humiliations at Ram Janmabhoomi, Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi, and Kashi Vishwanath. He questioned the suffering endured by women in those times and cautioned that if people continue to remain divided by caste and personal interests, they are bound to face further harm. He urged unity by invoking the painful history of India’s struggles.
UP CM Adityanath used this platform to attack political rivals, blaming the Congress, Samajwadi Party (SP), and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) for the “state of affairs” at AMU. He accused these parties of indulging in vote bank politics, accusing them of prioritizing their political interests over the unity of the nation.
“To save their vote bank, they are playing with the unity and integrity of society,” Adityanath declared. He positioned himself and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) as defenders of social equity, particularly for the Dalit and OBC communities, which have historically been marginalized.
AMU: A Long-Standing Debate on Minority Status
The Supreme Court decision, which confirmed that a central university could be seen as a minority institution, reignited the ongoing debate about AMU’s minority status. This issue has been controversial for a long time. Critics believe that since AMU is funded by the central government, it should follow the country’s reservation policies. On the other hand, supporters of AMU argue that its minority status is protected by Article 30 of the Constitution, which gives minorities the right to set up and manage their own educational institutions.
Adityanath, however, questioned the logic of granting AMU such status, especially when it continues to receive significant funding from the central government. His criticism of AMU is not new, but his timing just a day after the Supreme Court ruling, adds a new dimension to the political discourse.
Reacting to Adityanath’s comments, the opposition was quick to defend AMU and its minority status. Samajwadi Party’s (SP) representative for the Khair bypoll, Abdul Hafiz Gandhi, advised the Chief Minister to thoroughly read the Supreme Court judgment before making accusations.
Gandhi said that the Supreme Court’s decision supports the rights of religious and cultural minorities, which are protected by Article 30 of the Constitution. He emphasized that AMU’s status as a minority institution is legally valid, and this has been confirmed repeatedly. Gandhi also pointed out that the BJP’s attention on AMU was an attempt to shift focus away from more important governance matters, accusing the Chief Minister of using divisive language to connect with his voter base.
The Khair constituency, reserved for SC candidates, will be a key battleground in the upcoming bypolls. Adityanath’s rally comes at a time when the BJP is trying to consolidate its hold on the seat, which became vacant after the sitting MLA from the BJP won the Hathras Lok Sabha seat.
In his speech, Adityanath made an attempt to woo Jat voters, referencing the BJP’s recent success in Haryana, where a “double-engine government” (BJP at both the state and central levels) was elected. This outreach to the Jat community could prove crucial in the Khair constituency, which has a significant Jat population.
The timing of the Supreme Court verdict and Adityanath’s renewed focus on AMU’s minority status comes just as election season in Uttar Pradesh is heating up. The Chief Minister’s rhetoric, blending issues of religious identity, caste politics, and historical grievances, is seen by political analysts as an attempt to rally Hindu voters across caste lines, while simultaneously challenging the opposition’s credentials on secularism and social justice.
For the BJP, the issue with AMU could become a key topic to showcase its focus on Hindu unity and proper enforcement of reservation policies. Adityanath is pointing out what he sees as inconsistencies in the opposition’s governance, accusing them of neglecting the interests of marginalized communities.
As Uttar Pradesh heads into a critical election phase, the AMU debate is likely to remain at the forefront of political discourse. For Yogi Adityanath, the issue provides a powerful narrative of injustice and discrimination against Dalits and OBCs, which he hopes will resonate with voters. However, with opposition parties standing firm on the legal and constitutional rights of AMU, the controversy is set to intensify, adding another layer of complexity to an already polarized political landscape.
The upcoming election in Khair will be closely watched, not just for its local significance, but as a litmus test for how far Adityanath’s hardline stance on minority institutions resonates with the broader electorate.
