Varsity VC under fire as building renamings spark political storm
A flurry of building renamings at Chaudhary Devi Lal University (CDLU), Sirsa, has ignited a major political controversy, with Vice-Chancellor Professor Narsi Ram Bishnoi at the centre of the storm. The uproar stems from the decision to name key university buildings after figures linked to the Hindutva movement and regional icons — moves that have drawn strong reactions from political opponents.
The controversy unfolded rapidly over the past week. On May 19, the university’s multipurpose hall was named after Namdhari reformer Guru Ram Singh. Two days later, the IT Data and Computer Centre was renamed in honour of environmental martyr Mata Amrita Devi Bishnoi. On May 23, the Student Activity Centre was dedicated to Hindutva ideologue Veer Savarkar. Most recently, on May 25, the university announced that its Information Centre and Guidance Bureau would bear the name of Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) leader Ashok Singhal.
Defending the move, Professor Bishnoi called Singhal “a powerful speaker, an influential organiser and a key figure in reviving India’s cultural heritage.” He said, “Naming university buildings after such personalities will inspire students with values of national service, cultural pride and ethics.”
Ashok Singhal, born in Agra in 1926, studied engineering at Banaras Hindu University and began his career as a full-time volunteer with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). He later rose to become the International Working president of the VHP and was a central figure in the Ram Janmabhoomi movement.
However, Opposition parties — especially the Jannayak Janata Party (JJP) — have slammed the renamings. At a press conference on May 25, JJP state secretary general Digvijay Singh Chautala accused the Vice-Chancellor of exceeding his mandate. He claimed that the Student Activity Centre was originally slated to be named after former Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal, following a decision by then Deputy Chief Minister Dushyant Chautala.
“While I respect Veer Savarkar, Parkash Singh Badal’s contributions to the farming community cannot be ignored,” said Chautala. He demanded that Badal’s name be restored to the hall and that Savarkar’s name be assigned to another facility.
The JJP leader also urged the Haryana Chief Minister to intervene and warned of protests if corrective action was not taken.
But the controversy doesn’t end with naming rights. Chautala further alleged administrative misconduct by Professor Bishnoi, accusing him of influencing staff appointments through the Haryana Kaushal Rozgar Nigam. He claimed that two women hostel wardens were arbitrarily removed and replaced by relatives of the VC, allegedly in violation of Supreme Court guidelines. Additionally, he accused the university of replacing contractual security staff with individuals personally close to the Vice-Chancellor.
Digvijay Singh Chautala announced that the JJP would escalate the matter to the Governor of Haryana. He demanded the immediate removal of Professor Bishnoi not only from CDLU but also from Guru Jambheshwar University, where he currently holds the substantive position of Vice-Chancellor and has held additional charge of CDLU since January 2025.
Haryana Tribune