Patiala Law University Proposes Dropping Rajiv Gandhi's Name from Title

The academic council of Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law (RGNUL) in Patiala has recommended removing former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi's name from the university's title, proposing it be renamed National Law University. The proposal, approved by the academic council and sent to the executive council and Punjab Government for clearance, has faced criticism from Congress MP Dr Dharamvira Gandhi, who views it as politically motivated ahead of Punjab Assembly elections. Earlier, Akal Takht acting Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj called for the renaming, citing Rajiv Gandhi's alleged responsibility for the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. The university was established under the Punjab Act of 2006 bearing Rajiv Gandhi's name.