AGRA: BJP’s

has said that the term ‘Muslim’ in

’s name makes many people uncomfortable and it would be best to rename the over-a-century-old varsity. “The word ‘Muslim’ makes a large section of the society uncomfortable. It will be suitable to call its as Aligarh University,” Gautam said. Asked if

should also be renamed, the BJP MP said, “India is a Hindu Rashtra and there is no point in removing ‘Hindu’ from the BHU.”

Gautam has been in news for his frequent tirade against AMU. From demanding the removal of MA Jinnah’s portrait hanging in one of the varsity’s many halls, to dubbing AMU a "seminary for terrorists", Gautam has been in news for launching several attacks on the varsity. “Being the central government's representative, it is my duty to speak whenever things go wrong. I will never be silent on the issues that harm national interests. I am against the mentality that prevails and drives things there and not the institute,” the MP said.

Gautam told TOI, “The university is undoubtedly run with a pro-Muslim mindset and it is visible in every act of theirs. They have holiday for Eid but not for the biggest Hindu festival, like Diwali. They allow Muslim students to offer ‘namaz’ on the campus but there is no temple there. If they are really secular, they should have a temple, a gurdwara and church there too.”