Lucknow, July 17, 2026
The proposed demolition of 38 out of 40 buildings inside the sprawling Jauhar University in Rampur has triggered war of words, with the Congress calling it a ‘diversionary tactic’ and ‘face saver’ attempt by the state government, in light of ignominy arising out of Ram Temple donation theft.
Uttar Pradesh Congress committee (UPCC) Chief Ajay Rai speaking to media on Friday, said that the proposed plan to flatten the University, founded by the Samajwadi Party (SP) leader Azam Khan, looked more political than legal.
He alleged that this was deliberately timed, at the behest of state administration, to shift public attention from the embezzlement controversy involving the Ram Temple.
The Mohammad Ali Jauhar University, founded by SP leader Azam Khan, was issued a demolition notice on Wednesday by the Rampur Development Authority (RDA), claiming that 38 of 40 buildings at the varsity were constructed without permission from the competent authority.
Addressing a press conference at the state Congress Headquarters, Ajay Rai claimed that the 17-page order by the RDA was issued within a few hours of hearing the matter and thus it raises questions on the impartiality and veracity of the entire process.
He said that the Jauhar University was set up in Singhamkheda village in 2005 and it secured necessary permits and license from Zila Panchayat that had the requisite powers to approve building sanction plans.
According to the UPCC Chief, the area was brought under the ambit of the Development Authority only in 2024 and hence the question of obtaining approval from the Development Authority at the time of the university’s establishment does not arise.
He claimed that the university was developed in compliance with all necessary standards and added that it doesn’t belong to any single community rather students from all faith are enrolled here.
Shifting focus on closure of schools, Ajay Rai said that the state government was weakening the educational institutions instead of expanding its scale and scope.
He claimed that the action on Azam Khan-founded university was because of Bharatiya Janata Party’s political differences with the latter and advised the government to prioritise students’ interests.
Instead of demolishing the university, the Uttar Pradesh government should rather consider taking over the university’s operations, the UPCC Chief suggested.
Ajay Rai also alleged that the Yogi Adityanath-led Uttar Pradesh government was engaged in politics of demolition rather than development and construction, and selective targeting of the institution was part of this plan.(Agency)
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