Hyderabad: Hundreds of students from Maulana Azad National Urdu University (MANUU) gathered in protest against recent remarks by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath that were perceived as derogatory towards the Urdu language.

According to a statement by Kashmir Media Service, Adityanath, while addressing the state assembly, described the promotion of Urdu education as “Kathmullapan,” a term he used to criticize the Samajwadi Party’s advocacy for Urdu, labeling it as an “appeasement” strategy. He remarked that while certain leaders send their children to English-medium schools, they insist on Urdu for others, implying a push towards religious fanaticism.

In response, Talha Mannan, a MANUU research scholar, argued that Adityanath’s comments reflect a broader anti-Muslim sentiment. Mannan emphasized the importance of Urdu as a significant part of India’s linguistic and cultural heritage, especially for Indian Muslims whose literary and intellectual traditions are deeply rooted in the language.

Mateen Ashraf, the outgoing president of the MANUU Students’ Union, addressed the protestors, underscoring the historical significance of Urdu. He associated the language with influential figures in India’s freedom movement and criticized Adityanath’s remarks as an affront to this rich legacy.

The protest called on MANUU faculty and staff to vocally oppose such comments, particularly as the university serves as a central institution for Urdu education. The demonstration saw broad participation, reflecting a united front in defense of linguistic and cultural identity.