Sun Nov 10 08:53:29 UTC 2024: ## AMU Reservation Row Ignites Political Fire: Yogi Targets Akhilesh, SC/ST/OBC Inclusion
The ongoing Uttar Pradesh bypolls have been further fueled by a new controversy: the lack of reservation for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes (SC/ST/OBC) in the Aligarh Muslim University (AMU).
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, during a campaign rally in Khair, raised the issue, questioning why AMU, despite receiving funding from the Indian taxpayer, denies reservation to SC/ST/OBC communities while reserving 50% seats for Muslims. He highlighted that while the Supreme Court recently upheld AMU’s minority status, the issue of reservation remains pending.
Adityanath argued that according to the Indian Constitution and the Mandal Commission report, SC/ST/OBC communities are entitled to reservation, and this should be extended to AMU admissions and employment. He emphasized the need for inclusivity and equal opportunities for all within the institution.
This statement has reignited the debate on reservation within AMU, which has been simmering on social media for some time.
Meanwhile, the political battle between the ruling BJP and the Samajwadi Party (SP) continues to escalate. Adityanath took a swipe at SP leader Akhilesh Yadav, accusing him of “mortgaging” the party to the Congress and aligning with those who had once imprisoned his father, Mulayam Singh Yadav.
The by-elections in Uttar Pradesh are seen as a crucial test for both the BJP and the opposition alliance, particularly after the recent successes of the INDIA bloc in the Lok Sabha elections.
In a separate incident, Kashmiri students at a Karnataka nursing college have alleged discrimination after being asked to trim their beards or clean shave. The Jammu & Kashmir Students Association has written to the Chief Minister, demanding action against the college administration. The college is reportedly attempting to resolve the issue through discussions with the students.
First Piper 