CM Yogi Adityanath criticized AMU’s Muslim quota, stating that it is unfair to SCs, STs, and OBCs. He questioned why the university does not offer reservations to these groups, pointing out that both the Constitution and the Mandal Commission mandate such provisions. He emphasized the need for equal opportunities for all communities.
Uttar Pradesh: At an election rally in Khair on Saturday, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath raised concerns about Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) not providing reservations for Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and Other Backward Classes (OBCs), despite being funded by the central government.
He questioned,
“How can it be that an institution funded by taxpayers’ money does not give reservation to SCs, STs, or OBCs but has made a provision for 50% reservation for Muslims?”
The controversy surrounding AMU’s minority status was reignited following a Supreme Court Constitution bench ruling on November 8, which overruled the judgment in S. Azeez Basha vs. Union of India, stating that an institution established by statute cannot claim minority status.
At the rally, CM Yogi criticized the Congress, Samajwadi Party, and Bahujan Samaj Party for opposing reservation policies at AMU to protect their “vote banks.”
He remarked,
“When the Constitution and Mandal Commission have given reservation to SCs, STs, and OBCs, why can’t this facility be given at AMU? When India’s money is being used to run it, then SCs, STs, and OBCs should also get reservation in jobs and education.”
He accused these parties of “playing with the sentiments of people” for their electoral gain.
The Chief Minister also highlighted his government’s development initiatives in Aligarh, mentioning its transformation into a Smart City and the revival of the local lock industry.
At the rally, CM Yogi also drew attention to the new university in Aligarh, named after Raja Mahendra Pratap Singh, a long-forgotten leader, as a testament to the BJP’s commitment to both development and cultural preservation.
It is important to note that in 2005, AMU reserved 50% of seats in its postgraduate medical courses for Muslim candidates, citing its minority status. However, the Allahabad High Court set this provision aside. In 2006, the UPA government and AMU challenged the decision before the Supreme Court.
In 2016, the NDA government withdrew from the appeal, asserting that it did not recognize the university’s minority status. Subsequently, AMU filed a plea with the Supreme Court seeking clarity on whether an educational institution established by a parliamentary statute can claim minority status under Article 30 of the Constitution.