The Congress has voiced opposition to the proposed renaming of Barkatullah University in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, as ‘Vagdevi Bhojpal University, citing political motives. The university’s Executive Council recently approved the renaming proposal, which now awaits final approval from Governor Mangubhai Patel, the University’s Chancellor. Congress members criticized the decision, labeling it as a move to erase the legacy of freedom fighter Mohammad Barkatullah, in favor of political gains.
State Congress spokesperson Vivek Tripathi condemned the decision, calling it a tactic of “cheap politics” aimed at misleading students and youth. Tripathi emphasized Barkatullah’s significant role in India’s freedom struggle and questioned the rationale behind removing his name from the institution. He accused the BJP-led state government of prioritizing symbolic politics through renaming institutions instead of focusing on strengthening the education sector.
Established in 1970, Barkatullah University, named after freedom fighter Mohammad Barkatullah Bhopali in 1988, is a prominent public university in Madhya Pradesh. The proposed renaming to ‘Vagdevi Bhojpal University’ has sparked a political debate, reflecting broader trends of renaming public landmarks in the state. The move has raised questions about historical identity and the preservation of public institutions in Madhya Pradesh.
