Controversy Erupts Over Renaming Ravenshaw University

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's proposal to rename Ravenshaw University in Cuttack has ignited a political controversy. Opposition parties BJD and Congress demand an apology, arguing Pradhan's comments show a lack of historical knowledge. BJP defends Pradhan, claiming his opinion is open to debate.

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's suggestion to rename the 156-year-old Ravenshaw University in Cuttack has ignited a political controversy. Opposition parties, including the BJD and Congress, have demanded an apology, accusing Pradhan of lacking historical knowledge about the institution.

Pradhan, attending a recent event in Cuttack, suggested the university's name be changed, questioning the contributions of its namesake, Thomas Edward Ravenshaw, a British bureaucrat. BJD spokesperson Lenin Mohanty sharply criticized Pradhan, stating that his comments were an unfortunate attempt to cloak himself in Odisha's pride while being historically ignorant.

Defending Pradhan, BJP leaders argued the minister's views were personal and open to democratic debate. They accused the BJD of turning the issue political while BJP spokesperson Anil Biswal argued that the opposition defends non-Odia figures excessively. The controversy continues amid broader discussions about preserving historical legacies and improving educational quality.

(With inputs from agencies.)