Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has ignited a fresh controversy with his remarks about the University of Science and Technology, Meghalaya (USTM). In a recent statement, Sarma compared the university’s entrance structure to a “symbol of jihad” and criticized it for resembling a “Mecca-like” architecture.
Sarma, who had previously accused the university of contributing to flood issues due to construction activities, intensified his criticism by denouncing the design of the university’s gates. He stated that entering the university felt like entering a place of worship in Mecca, questioning why such a structure was built and suggesting that there should be equal representation of other places of worship.
The university, founded by Mahbubul Haque, a Bengali Muslim, has been a focal point of Sarma’s criticism. Sarma’s comments have been met with backlash from his political opponents, who recall that he had previously inaugurated a new section of the university in 2021 in the presence of Haque.
Sarma’s remarks come amid ongoing debates about the university’s impact on the region and its architectural choices. The Chief Minister has also announced plans to construct a larger auditorium in Guwahati, which he claims will surpass the university’s facilities.
The controversy has drawn significant attention and sparked a debate about religious symbolism and the role of educational institutions in Assam.