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Rawat Accuses BJP of Polarizing with Muslim University Controversy

  //politics-government.news-articles.net/content/ .. larizing-with-muslim-university-controversy.html
  Published in Politics and Government on Wednesday, February 11th 2026 at 11:02 GMT by The New Indian Express
      Locales: Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, INDIA

Dehradun, Uttarakhand - February 11th, 2026 - In a sharply worded press conference held today, senior Congress leader Harish Rawat vehemently accused the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of intentionally reigniting controversy surrounding Muslim universities as a deliberate tactic to divert public attention from their perceived failures and to polarize the electorate in the lead-up to crucial state and national elections. Rawat's statements come amidst escalating rhetoric regarding minority institutions and funding, a pattern the Congress leader claims is designed to manufacture division and secure electoral advantage.

Speaking to journalists in Dehradun, Rawat stated the BJP's renewed focus on institutions perceived as exclusively serving the Muslim community, after a period of relative dormancy regarding the issue, is a calculated maneuver. He suggested that by bringing this contentious topic back into the spotlight, the BJP aims to distract voters from pressing concerns regarding economic hardship, social welfare, and governance shortcomings. "The BJP is trying to create a divide by raking up the issue of Muslim universities," Rawat emphasized. "This is not about genuine concern for equitable resource allocation; it's about a cynical attempt to exploit religious sentiments for political gain."

The controversy centers on a long-standing debate about the establishment and funding of educational institutions with a historical association with the Muslim community. Critics allege that these institutions, while operating within the legal framework, perpetuate segregation and potentially receive preferential treatment. The BJP has consistently faced accusations of leveraging these claims to appeal to its base and demonize minority groups. While specific institutions were not named by Rawat today, the implications clearly pointed towards organizations established decades ago, benefiting from both private endowments and, at times, state funding.

Rawat's accusations echo a broader trend of political discourse in India, where issues related to religious identity and minority rights often become flashpoints during election cycles. Political analysts suggest that the strategy employed by the BJP - focusing on perceived grievances and exploiting societal divisions - is a well-worn tactic aimed at consolidating its core voter base and mobilizing support through appeals to nationalist sentiment.

However, the Congress leader framed this tactic as a dangerous distraction from real issues. He argued that Uttarakhand, like many other states in India, is grappling with significant challenges including unemployment, infrastructure deficiencies, environmental degradation, and a lack of access to quality healthcare and education. "The BJP's relentless focus on divisive issues like this actively prevents meaningful discussion and concrete action on these vital matters," Rawat asserted. "They prefer to manufacture outrage rather than address the legitimate concerns of the people."

The Congress party, Rawat stated, remains committed to addressing these core issues and will not be drawn into the BJP's "divisive politics." He promised a campaign focused on inclusive growth, social justice, and sustainable development, emphasizing the importance of unity and harmony among all communities in Uttarakhand. The party plans to unveil a comprehensive policy platform in the coming weeks, outlining its vision for tackling the economic and social challenges facing the state.

This latest exchange marks an escalation in the political rhetoric surrounding minority institutions and raises concerns about the potential for further polarization as the election season heats up. Political observers are keenly watching to see how the BJP will respond to Rawat's accusations and whether the controversy will escalate further. The impact of this debate on the upcoming elections, both in Uttarakhand and nationally, remains to be seen, but it is clear that the issue of minority institutions has once again become a significant point of contention in Indian politics. The debate now extends beyond funding to encompass questions of inclusivity, historical context, and the very definition of secularism within India's diverse social fabric. The Congress, under Rawat's leadership, appears determined to position itself as a champion of inclusivity and to expose what it sees as the BJP's manipulative tactics.