A remark by Raghuraj Singh, chairman of the Uttar Pradesh Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Advisory Committee, allegedly calling Aligarh Muslim University and Jamia Millia Islamia “hubs of terrorists” has drawn strong reactions from AMU’s newly elected students’ union and others. AMUSU president Mohammad Noman Ashraf said he would appeal to the Prime Minister and the Chief Minister to rein in such statements.
According to sources, a video of the remark has been circulating widely on social media this week.
What Raghuraj Singh allegedly said
According to sources, Raghuraj Singh is heard in the video saying that if he got the chance he would shut down AMU and Jamia, alleging that “traitors” and “terrorists” are nurtured in the two universities. He also allegedly said he wished for the strength to finish both universities.
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The Aligarian has not independently verified the video. Raghuraj Singh’s response to the criticism was not available at the time of writing.
AMUSU president: AMU is a creation of Parliament
Noman Ashraf, who was elected AMUSU president earlier this month, said people like Raghuraj Singh were hurting the country’s image. He pointed out that AMU was established under an Act of Parliament, which works under the Constitution, so calling such a constitutional institution a hub of terrorists was itself against the Constitution.
He said the remark did not deserve to be taken seriously, and listed the university’s contribution to the nation, from Dr Zakir Husain, who became President of India, to well known cardiologist Dr Ashok Seth.
Other reactions
- Jammu and Kashmir Students Association: National convenor Nasir Khuehami asked the Chief Minister and the BJP’s top leadership to remove Raghuraj Singh from his post. He said such statements try to communalise educational institutions and tarnish the whole student community.
- All India Muslim Jamaat: President Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi in Bareilly condemned the remark. He said a person holding a constitutional post should not use such language, called AMU a reputed institution where students of all religions study, and asked Raghuraj Singh to apologise publicly.
Why this matters to Aligs
The remark comes days after AMU held its first students’ union election in years, with a new team set to take oath on 15 November. AMU is a central university that admits students of all faiths, and its alumni include a President of India, judges, scientists and civil servants.
Also read: AMUSU Election 2026 results, AMUSU installation ceremony on 15 November and VC Naima Khatoon meets new AMUSU and WCSU office bearers.
Frequently asked questions
Who is Raghuraj Singh?
According to sources, he is the chairman of the Uttar Pradesh Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Advisory Committee.
What did Raghuraj Singh say about AMU?
In a viral video he allegedly called AMU and Jamia hubs of terrorists and said he would shut the two universities if given the chance.
How did AMUSU react?
AMUSU president Mohammad Noman Ashraf said AMU was set up by an Act of Parliament, called the remark unconstitutional and said he would appeal to the PM and CM.
Has anyone demanded action?
The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association sought his removal, and Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi asked for a public apology.
