Owaisi Criticises Proposed Action Against Jauhar University, Calls It a Blow to Muslim Education
The AIMIM chief says the planned demolition of buildings at Mohammad Ali Jauhar University could affect thousands of students and weaken higher education opportunities for Muslims in Uttar Pradesh.
AIMIM president and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi has criticised the proposed demolition of buildings at Mohammad Ali Jauhar University in Rampur, Uttar Pradesh, describing it as an attack on Muslim higher education.
Speaking during his visit to Saharanpur on Saturday, Owaisi said his party fully supports the university. He stated that the issue is not limited to a single institution but is linked to the educational advancement of the Muslim community across the state.
Referring to educational data, Owaisi said Muslims make up nearly one fifth of Uttar Pradesh’s population but account for only about 3.5 to 3.7 percent of the state’s graduates. He also said the literacy rate among Muslims is around 53 to 54 percent, with lower literacy levels among Muslim women.
Owaisi pointed out that around 3,000 students are currently studying at the university. He said demolishing the buildings would put the future of thousands of young people at risk and urged the authorities to resolve any legal or administrative issues through regularisation instead of demolition.
He argued that dismantling the university would send a message that Muslim education is not being encouraged.
Commenting on the upcoming Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, Owaisi said AIMIM wants to build an independent political voice for the Muslim community. He said such representation would allow elected leaders to speak openly about issues affecting their people. Referring to the views of Dr B.R. Ambedkar, Owaisi stressed the importance of having legislators who actively represent the interests of their communities.