Aligarh BJP MP Satish Gautam has ignited a controversy by asserting that “no one can stop anyone from celebrating Holi inside the AMU campus.” His remarks came after the university administration declined permission for a ‘Holi Milan’ event requested by some Hindu students.
Gautam extended his support to Hindu students, stating, “If any Hindu student faces any problem in celebrating Holi inside the campus, I am there to help him.” He further added, “No permission is necessary from anybody to play Holi anywhere,” and issued a stern remark, “Agar koi mar peet karega to usay oopar pahuncha diya jaiga.”
The issue escalated as right-wing Hindu groups accused AMU of restricting Hindu students’ religious rights. The Karni Sena’s Uttar Pradesh unit submitted a memorandum to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, demanding intervention and action against university officials.
Former Aligarh MLA Vivek Bansal (Congress) condemned the BJP for “provocative politics,” stating that Holi had always been peacefully celebrated at AMU without restrictions.
Responding to the controversy, AMU Proctor Mohammad Waseem clarified the university’s stance:
“Traditionally, all festivals, including Eid, Holi and Diwali, are celebrated across hostels. There is no precedent for holding a special function for any specific group.
“We do not consider it advisable to start a new precedent as it can lead to misuse of such permissions under any pretext,” Waseem stated.
He also emphasized that no incidents of violence or conflict had arisen on campus over the issue.
