BJP MP from Aligarh, Satish Gautam’s remarks regarding the Holi celebrations at Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) in Uttar Pradesh has ignited a controversy. He said that Holi would be celebrated with grandeur at AMU, and nobody’s permission is required. Gautam further emphasized, “Mere rehte hue AMU mai dhoomdam se Holi manai jayegi, agar chatron ke saath koi maarpeet karega toh usse uppar pohoncha diya jayega ( I will ensure Holi is celebrated with fervour at AMU and if any sort of confrontation takes place, we will deal with them).

This statement came amid a dispute over the university’s refusal to grant permission for a ‘Holi Milan’ event, leading to protests and tensions on campus. The controversy began when some students requested permission from the AMU administration to hold a special Holi event on March 9, but their request was denied.

In response to this, members of the Akhil Bharatiya Karni Sena staged a protest against the university, accusing the administration of discrimination against Hindu students. According to TOI, Yanendra Singh Chauhan, the president of the Akhil Bharatiya Karni Sena, alleged that Hindu students were being treated unfairly, saying, “Some AMU students had asked for permission to celebrate the ‘Holi Milan’ event, but the university declined. We have submitted a memorandum to the District Magistrate addressed to the Prime Minister, pointing out that Hindu students at AMU are being treated differently.”

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Chauhan also warned that if permission was not granted for the special Holi event, they would enter the campus on March 10 and celebrate Holi with the students.

Meanwhile, AMU Proctor Professor Wasim Ali Khan explained the university’s stance, stating that while the request was considered, it was ultimately rejected to maintain consistency with the institution’s policies. He clarified, “On February 26, five students submitted a signed letter requesting permission to organize a special Holi event on March 9. The university decided that no such special permission had ever been granted before, and the same policy would be followed. Holi is celebrated by students in their respective departments and hostels, and the university is not in favor of granting permission for any special celebrations.”

The entire episode has sparked heated debates and protests, with political figures and student groups expressing strong opinions on both sides of the issue.