8 parties back Aligarh Muslim University, Jamia Millia Islamia

NEW DELHI: The Centre’s reported move to strip Aligarh Muslim University and Jamia Millia Islamia University of minority status has united eight major Opposition parties, including some traditional turf rivals.

They have decided to launch a signature campaign, petition the President and confront the government in the upcoming Parliament session over the issue.

In a joint statement issued by Pramod Tiwari (Congress), Sukhendy S Roy ( Trinamool Congress), KC Tyagi (JD-U), JP Yadav (RJD), DP Tripathi (NCP) Ritambarama Banerjee (CPM), D Raja (CPI) and Bhagwant Mann (AAP), the parties condemned the Centre’s reported move on the two universities and criticised statement of attorneygeneral Mukhul Rohatgi over his view that the two institutions were not minority institutions. These MPs said they believe, “this is a sinister move” to promote an “unholy agenda” and “dilute” the special character of these two premier seats of learning.

“These two institutions have made unparalleled contributions… to the field of social science, the betterment of minorities and Indian society. We appeal to eminent intellectuals, civil society and all secular-minded political parties to condemn this and expose the hidden agenda to sabotage the very idea of India,” they said.