BHOPAL: A political controversy has erupted in Madhya Pradesh over the reported decision to divide Rajiv Gandhi Proudyogiki Vishwavidyalaya (RGPV) into three separate universities and rename them.
As per media reports, the Congress has criticised the move, alleging that the BJP-led state government is attempting to remove the name and legacy of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi from the institution.
Former chief minister Kamal Nath reportedly described the removal of Rajiv Gandhi’s name as a reflection of the government’s “petty mentality”. He said Rajiv Gandhi played an important role in India’s transition towards modern technology, including the growth of computers and information technology.
Nath also accused the BJP government of changing the names of projects and institutions associated with previous Congress governments. He said Rajiv Gandhi’s name should not be removed from the university.
Leader of Opposition Umang Singhar also reportedly criticised the decision. He said Rajiv Gandhi had made a significant contribution to India’s information technology and computer revolution.
Singhar questioned whether the names of leaders who made significant contributions to the country should be removed. He urged Chief Minister Mohan Yadav to reconsider the move and said changing names could not erase the contributions of national leaders.
The state Cabinet has decided to divide RGPV into three universities: Madhya Bharat University of Technology and Skills, Mahakoshal University of Technology and Skills, and Malwa University of Technology and Skills.
The reported restructuring would mean that the existing RGPV would cease to operate under its current name and be replaced by the three proposed universities.
