Gurpreet Singh :- A proposal to remove former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi’s name from Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law (RGNUL) in Patiala has sparked sharp political reactions in Punjab, with the Congress party voicing strong opposition.
The development comes after the university’s Academic Council reportedly deliberated on a proposal to rename the institution by dropping “Rajiv Gandhi” from its title. While officials associated with the process have described it as an administrative or policy-level consideration, the move has quickly acquired political overtones.
Congress leaders in the state have criticized the reported proposal, calling it an attempt to erase the legacy of a former Prime Minister. Party representatives argued that the university was named in recognition of Rajiv Gandhi’s contributions and that any move to alter its identity would be unacceptable. Some leaders have indicated that the party may raise the issue formally at political and public forums if the proposal moves forward.
On the other hand, sources suggest that the discussion within the Academic Council is part of a broader review process and that any final decision would require approvals at multiple levels, including the state government. No formal notification regarding a name change has yet been issued.
Established as a premier law institution in Punjab, RGNUL has built a national reputation in legal education over the years. The controversy now places the university at the center of a wider political debate, with the issue likely to intensify if concrete steps toward renaming are initiated.
