New Delhi/ Lucknow: A new controversy has erupted over plans by the BJP to observe the birth anniversary of freedom fighter Raja Mahendra Pratap at the Aligarh Muslim University campus.
Vice chancellor Zameer Uddin Shah has, in a letter to Union HRD minister Smriti Irani, warned of a potential “communal conflagration” while the saffron party defended its move.
Opposition parties including the Congress, MIM, BSP and the NCP expressed “serious concern” over the probable repercussions of the event to be held next Monday that will be marked by a rally and demonstration at the campus.
“Some elements are threatening to hold a demonstration on the grounds that Raja Mahendra Pratap land for establishment of AMU and should be honoured,” the VC said in his letter.
However, MoS HRD Ram Shankar Katheria said if BJP workers want to celebrate the birthday they are free to do so.
