Jauhar University demolition wrong, says Arshad Madani at Lucknow meet
Synopsis
Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind president Arshad Madani used a Hindu-Muslim unity conference in Lucknow to mount a pointed challenge to the bulldozer action at Jauhar University — arguing that razing an institution named after a freedom-era figure, to settle scores with a politician, is neither lawful nor proportionate. His remarks land at the intersection of minority rights, judicial process, and the increasingly contested use of demolition as state policy.
Key Takeaways
Maulana Arshad Madani said demolishing Jauhar University in Rampur with bulldozers is not the right solution, even if irregularities exist.
He called on the government to impose fines or pursue legal action rather than raze buildings linked to thousands of students' futures.
Madani described the One Nation, One Election proposal as a political agenda and said the Gyanvapi dispute should be resolved through a final court verdict.
He warned that an atmosphere of hatred was being created in the country and urged collective resistance to communalism.
On exam paper leaks, Madani said students' futures must be the government's top priority and demanded serious action.
Madani clarified that Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind does not participate in electoral politics; its mission is national unity and harmony.
Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind president Maulana Arshad Madani on Saturday, 18 July said that demolishing Jauhar University in Rampur with bulldozers was not the right course of action, even if irregularities existed. Speaking to reporters in Lucknow after addressing the Hindu-Muslim Ittehad Conference at the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Scientific Convention Centre, Madani argued that the government should instead impose penalties or pursue legal remedies rather than raze structures tied to the futures of thousands of students.
Madani's Stand on Jauhar University
Madani acknowledged that Azam Khan, with whom the university is associated, is a political figure, but stressed that the institution bears the name of Maulana Mohammad Ali Jauhar — a figure he described as having made significant contributions to the country and society. He said the matter had been politicised and called for a proportionate, lawful response. 'If there were legal violations, the government should impose fines or proceed under the law, but it should not demolish buildings that are connected to the future of thousands of students,' Madani said.
On Communal Harmony and Hatred in Public Life
Madani said an atmosphere of hatred was being created in the country, and warned that politics driven by communal divisions weakens the nation. He called on citizens to resist communalism collectively and said such divisions could only be overcome through love and mutual respect. He also stressed that all religions — including Islam — preach love and compassion, not violence, and urged people to read religious texts with an open mind.
Gyanvapi Dispute and One Nation One Election
On the Gyanvapi dispute, Madani said that if a negotiated settlement was not possible, the courts should deliver a final judgment to bring closure. He described the One Nation, One Election proposal as a political agenda rather than a governance reform. He also addressed the debate around making 'Vande Mataram' compulsory, saying the Constitution guarantees every citizen the right to practise their religion according to their beliefs, and that this constitutional principle must be respected.
Exam Paper Leaks and Students' Futures
Madani also weighed in on the recurring problem of competitive examination paper leaks, calling students' futures the government's top priority. He said frequent paper leaks were affecting millions of students and urged the government to address the issue with seriousness. Notably, Madani clarified that neither he nor Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind participates in electoral politics, describing their mission as spreading love, harmony, and national unity.
Point of View
And deploying it against an educational institution, regardless of the legal infractions alleged, sets a precedent that courts have themselves begun to question. What is missing from this debate is a clear public accounting of exactly which violations were found, what penalties the law prescribes, and why demolition was chosen over those remedies. Until that record is public, the action will continue to be read through a communal lens — whether or not that reading is accurate.
NationPress
18 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Arshad Madani say about Jauhar University?
Madani said that demolishing Jauhar University in Rampur with bulldozers is not the right solution. He argued that if legal violations existed, the government should impose fines or take court-directed action rather than raze structures connected to the futures of thousands of students.
Why is Jauhar University in the news?
Jauhar University in Rampur, associated with Samajwadi Party leader Azam Khan, has been facing government action over alleged irregularities. The action has drawn criticism from Muslim religious leaders, including Madani, who argue the matter has been politicised.
What did Madani say about the Gyanvapi dispute?
Madani said that if a negotiated settlement on the Gyanvapi dispute was not possible, the courts should deliver a final judgment to resolve the matter conclusively.
What is Madani's position on One Nation, One Election?
Madani described the One Nation, One Election proposal as a political agenda rather than a genuine governance reform. He did not elaborate on a specific alternative but signalled opposition to the idea.
Where and when did Madani make these remarks?
Madani made these remarks on Saturday, 18 July, in Lucknow, after addressing the Hindu-Muslim Ittehad Conference at the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Scientific Convention Centre. He spoke to reporters on the sidelines of the event.
