Rampur (Uttar Pradesh), August 18, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Tazeen Fatma, wife of senior Samajwadi Party leader Azam Khan, has urged the Uttar Pradesh government to reconsider the demolition order concerning Mohammad Ali Jauhar University in Rampur, arguing that the institution was built with public contributions and that the interests of students should be kept in mind.
Azam Khan is currently serving a sentence in Rampur Jail along with his son, Abdullah Azam.
The dispute arose after the Rampur Development Authority (RDA) flagged alleged construction violations at the university. According to the authority, 38 of the campus’s 40 buildings were constructed without the required approvals. The university was directed to remove the structures within the stipulated period, failing which the district administration would undertake the demolition.
The demolition order triggered a political controversy. In late July, the Uttar Pradesh government’s Divisional Commissioner stayed the order issued by the Rampur District Magistrate concerning the 38 buildings.
Speaking to IANS, Tazeen Fatma appealed to the state government to reconsider the action, saying the decision should be viewed from the perspective of public interest and the future of students.
“We urge the government to reconsider. In the interest of the nation and the public, they should rethink this decision,” she said.
Calling the proposed demolition unjust, she asked, “Has any university been demolished in this country before?”
Fatma said she continued to have faith in justice and appealed to people to do whatever they could to protect the university.
“The public should do whatever it can to save the university,” she said.
She described Jauhar University as an institution established through Azam Khan’s efforts and contributions from the public through donations and voluntary service, adding that its future should therefore concern the community.
Defending her husband’s political and social record, Fatma said the family had been involved in social service and rejected allegations of land encroachment and wrongdoing against Azam Khan. She argued that his repeated electoral victories from the constituency were evidence of his public support.
Fatma also said there was no rift between the Azam Khan family and the Samajwadi Party. She said the party had stood by the family during its difficulties and particularly acknowledged the support extended by SP president Akhilesh Yadav.
The stay on the demolition order has provided temporary relief, but the dispute over alleged construction violations and the future of the university remains unresolved.
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