Opposition voices question the use of religious slogans during an official programme at Aligarh Muslim University, while the minister says the slogans reflect his personal cultural beliefs.
ALIGARH — A government programme held at Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) to promote modern agricultural practices among farmers has sparked a political and social debate after Uttar Pradesh Minister Dinesh Pratap Singh raised religious slogans at the conclusion of his speech.
The incident occurred on Friday during a farmers’ awareness programme organised at the Kennedy Auditorium inside the AMU campus. The event was attended by farmers from Aligarh, Agra and Meerut divisions and focused on modern farming techniques, horticulture, crop diversification and government welfare schemes aimed at improving agricultural incomes.
However, what began as a discussion on agriculture and rural development soon became the centre of controversy after videos from the programme surfaced on social media showing religious slogans being raised inside the auditorium.
The videos have generated strong reactions from different sections of society, with some defending the minister’s actions as an expression of personal faith, while others have questioned whether religious slogans should be raised from the stage of a major educational institution during an official government event.
Dinesh Pratap Singh, Uttar Pradesh’s Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Horticulture, was the chief guest at the programme.
During his address, the minister spoke about increasing farmers’ income through the adoption of modern agricultural methods, horticulture projects and value-added farming activities. He highlighted various state government initiatives aimed at strengthening the economic position of farmers and encouraged participants to make use of available schemes.
Officials present at the event also provided information regarding agricultural exports, diversification of crops and opportunities in horticulture-based enterprises.
According to attendees, the programme proceeded without controversy until the closing moments of the minister’s speech.
At the end of his address, Dinesh Pratap Singh raised the slogan “Jai Shri Ram”. Following this, other slogans, including “Har Har Mahadev” and “Bharat Mata Ki Jai”, were heard inside the auditorium.
Videos of the slogans quickly spread across social media platforms, leading to intense discussion and criticism from political opponents and some commentators.
Critics argued that government programmes conducted at educational institutions should remain focused on their stated objectives and avoid actions that may create unnecessary controversy.
Some opposition leaders questioned whether the use of religious slogans at an official event held inside a university campus was appropriate.
They argued that universities are spaces for education and learning and should remain inclusive for students and visitors from all backgrounds.
Supporters of the minister, however, rejected the criticism and said there was nothing objectionable about expressing religious beliefs.
They maintained that raising such slogans was a matter of personal faith and cultural identity and should not be viewed through a political lens.
After the controversy gained attention, Dinesh Pratap Singh responded publicly and defended his actions.
In a post on social media, the minister wrote: “Har Har Mahadev inside Kennedy Hall of Aligarh Muslim University.”
Later speaking to journalists, he said that raising such slogans was part of his culture and tradition.
“Religious slogans are a part of my culture,” he said.
“We will raise slogans of Jai Shri Ram and Har Har Mahadev. People act according to their beliefs and traditions. I raised those slogans, and there is no doubt about that.”
The minister insisted that he had done nothing wrong and argued that expressing religious sentiments should not automatically be viewed as controversial.
His remarks have further fuelled debate among political observers and social commentators.
The incident comes at a time when questions regarding the relationship between religion, politics and public institutions continue to generate discussion across the country.
Aligarh Muslim University, one of India’s most prominent educational institutions, has often found itself at the centre of national debates because of its historical significance and symbolic importance.
Founded in the nineteenth century, the university attracts students from across India and abroad and is regarded as a major centre of higher education.
The latest controversy has once again brought public attention to the campus, though university officials have not issued any detailed statement regarding the slogans raised during the programme.
Political analysts say the issue highlights broader questions about the role of religious expression in official settings.
Some believe that public representatives should exercise caution while addressing audiences at educational institutions to avoid creating divisions or distractions from the primary purpose of an event.
Others argue that elected leaders should not be criticised merely for expressing personal religious beliefs, provided their actions do not interfere with the functioning of institutions or discriminate against any community.
For many of the farmers who attended the programme, however, the original purpose of the event was agriculture and rural development.
Several participants said they had come to learn about government schemes, modern farming methods and opportunities to improve their livelihoods.
As debate over the slogans continues in political and social circles, the incident is likely to remain a topic of discussion in Uttar Pradesh and beyond.
The controversy has once again demonstrated how events that begin with administrative or developmental objectives can quickly become part of wider national debates concerning identity, faith and public life.
