'Agar koi mar peet karega, usay oopar pahuncha diya jaiga': Aligarh BJP MP on Holi at AMU, says no permission needed

NEW DELHI: A controversy has erupted over Holi celebrations at Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) after Aligarh BJP MP Satish Gautam asserted that "no one can stop anyone from celebrating Holi inside the AMU campus." Gautam extended his support to Hindu students, stating, "If any Hindu student faces any problem in celebrating Holi inside the campus, then I am there to help him."
The issue arose after right-wing Hindu groups accused the AMU administration of denying permission for a ‘Holi Milan’ function on campus.
"No permission needed to play holi": Satish Gautam

Addressing the matter, Gautam insisted that no permission was required for Holi celebrations anywhere. When asked about potential conflicts, he made a strong remark, saying, "Agar koi mar peet karega to usay oopar pahuncha diya jaiga."
The controversy deepened as it emerged that permission was sought for the event on Wednesday but was reportedly denied by the administration.
Congress slams BJP, calls it 'unfortunate'
Reacting to the developments, former Aligarh MLA and Congress leader Vivek Bansal accused the BJP of deliberately stoking controversy for political gains.
Calling it "unfortunate," he said, "We always used to celebrate Holi with friends at AMU, and I never recollect any bitterness or opposition on this issue from anyone. Then why is the BJP engaging in provocative politics and trying to disturb the peace?"
Bansal urged the BJP to refrain from inflaming tensions over religious celebrations.
Karni Sena seeks PM’s intervention
On Thursday, Uttar Pradesh Karni Sena president Gyanendra Singh Chauhan, along with other members, marched to the district collectorate, submitting a memorandum addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The group demanded action against AMU officials, alleging that the university had intentionally denied Hindu students the right to hold a Holi event.
AMU denies allegations, says no special functions allowed
AMU officials have strongly refuted the allegations. Proctor Mohammad Waseem clarified that Holi, like other festivals such as Eid and Diwali, is traditionally celebrated across hostels but without special functions for specific groups.
"There is no precedent for holding a special function for any particular group. We do not consider it advisable to start a new practice, as it can lead to misuse of such permissions under any pretext," Waseem said.
He also stressed that there had been no conflict or violence on campus regarding the matter.