Lucknow: Samajwadi Party (SP) president Akhilesh Yadav on Sunday accused the BJP govt of targeting education institution out of political vendetta. Backing the campaign launched by students and parents to save Mohammad Ali Jauhar University in Rampur, the former CM urged the govt to safeguard the future of thousands of students.In a statement, Akhilesh said the Samajwadi Party stood firmly with the students, their parents and all those campaigning to protect the university. “We are fully with the youth and their parents in the movement to save Jauhar University. The BJP govt, driven by a spirit of revenge, should not make Jauhar University a victim of its narrow politics,” he said.He alleged that the govt’s actions against the university were politically motivated and warned against any move that could disrupt the education of students enrolled at the institution. He said the Samajwadi Party’s workers, supporters and leaders, along with thousands of students and their families, would oppose what he described as a “biased and malicious” decision.Describing universities as “temples of education”, the SP chief appealed to people across the country to support the campaign to preserve the institution. He said educational institutions should be protected irrespective of political differences and argued that if any procedural or documentary shortcomings existed, the govt should facilitate their rectification rather than taking measures that could jeopardise students’ academic future.He claimed that Mohammad Ali Jauhar University provides educational opportunities to students from economically weaker sections who cannot afford to study in expensive private institutions or abroad.“Poor families send their children here with the hope of securing a better future. If there are deficiencies in the paperwork, they should be addressed through due process instead of destroying an institution that serves thousands of students,” he said.He accused the BJP govt of weakening educational institutions while failing to create adequate employment opportunities for the youth. Referring to the closure of primary schools in the state, Akhilesh Yadav claimed that the Samajwadi Party had responded by launching ‘PDA Pathshalas’ to ensure that children continued to have access to education.“The BJP knows that educated young people will demand jobs and employment. Since job creation is not on its agenda, it is systematically targeting educational institutions,” he alleged.The former CM further claimed that the action against Jauhar University was part of a larger conspiracy against students from all sections of society. He alleged that while institutions operating without registration were being allowed to function, selective action was being taken against Jauhar University due to political considerations.
