AMU allows Holi celebrations at NRSC Hall after initial denial
Aligarh: The Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) administration has allowed Holi celebrations on campus after initially denying permission. The decision comes amid demands from students and pressure from various quarters.
A few days ago, the university refused to permit the Holi Milan Samaroh, scheduled for March 9 at the Non-Resident Students' Centre (NRSC) Hall, stating that "a new tradition cannot be introduced." Hindu students had urged the administration to allow the event, and the denial led to criticism from student groups and political leaders.
Following the controversy, Brij Bhushan Singh, provost of NRSC Hall, reportedly stated that students would be allowed to play Holi on March 13 and 14 at the NRSC Club. He added that the hall would remain open for two days for students to celebrate with colours and gulal.
The administration's decision to allow the celebration is said to have been influenced by student sentiments. Hindu organisations and political figures had also raised concerns over the initial denial. Some students had even alleged discrimination and threatened to escalate the matter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
According to sources, permission for the Holi Milan was initially sought on February 25, followed by a formal request to senior university officials.
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Sujit Nair raises concerns over speculation of DMK-AIADMK understanding to block TVK
Chennai: Journalist and political commentator Sujit Nair has expressed concern over speculation that the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam could explore a post-poll understanding to prevent Vijay-led Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam from forming the government in Tamil Nadu.
In a social media post, Sujit Nair said the election verdict in Tamil Nadu reflected a clear public demand for political change and argued that the mandate should be respected irrespective of political preferences.
Referring to reports and political discussions surrounding a possible understanding between the DMK and AIADMK, he said he hoped such developments remained only speculative conversations and did not turn into reality.
Nair stated that if such an alliance were to take shape, it would raise serious questions about ideological politics in the country. He said TVK had emerged through a democratic electoral process and that the legitimacy to govern in a parliamentary democracy comes from the people’s verdict.
According to him, attempts to prevent an electoral winner from forming the government through unexpected political arrangements may be constitutionally valid, but many people could view them as politically opportunistic.
He further said that such a move could particularly affect the political image of the DMK, which has historically projected itself around ideology, social justice and opposition politics. Nair said that in ideological terms, the DMK appeared closer to TVK than to the AIADMK, and joining hands with its long-time political rival only to remain in power could weaken its broader political narrative.
He added that the same questions would apply to the AIADMK as well, as the party had spent decades positioning itself against the DMK and such an arrangement could create discomfort among its cadre and supporters.
Drawing a comparison with Maharashtra politics in 2019, Nair said he had expressed similar views when the Shiv Sena formed an alliance with the Indian National Congress and the Nationalist Congress Party after the Assembly elections.
He said post-poll alliances between long-standing political rivals often create a public perception that ideology and electoral mandates become secondary when political power equations come into play.
Nair also said such developments increase public cynicism towards politics and reinforce the belief among voters that ideology is often sidelined after elections.
He maintained that the Tamil Nadu verdict was emphatic and said respecting both the spirit and substance of the mandate was important for the credibility of democratic politics.
