Kannauj, June 25: While addressing a gathering in Kannauj on Monday, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath targeted the top two minority-run institutes - Aligarh Muslim University and Jamia Millia Islamia - for not reserving seats for the Dalit community.

"When BHU (Banaras Hindu University) can give reservation to our Dalit and backward brothers, then why is there no Dalit quota in AMU and Jamia," questioned Adityanath. His statements came in the backdrop of anti-Dalit allegations levelled by the Opposition against the BJP-led government in the state.

Reacting to the criticism from the Chief Minister, AMU students' union president Mashkoor Ahmad Usmani said Adityanath should not rake up the matter while it is sub-judice.

"The Supreme Court is adjudicating on whether AMU should be considered a minority institution, or should be treated at par with others. Why is the CM turning it into a political issue," he said.

As per the admission process enacted by the AMU and Jamia, 50 per cent of the seats are reserved for internal students, whereas, the remaining 50 per cent are admitted based upon merit.

In 2005, the Allahabad High Court had declared the admission process in AMU as "non-constitutional". The matter is currently being heard in the Supreme Court.

Meanwhile, Jamia Millia Islamia's minority tag was revoked by the central government in March this year. The move has been legally challenged. Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Thevar Chand Gehlot said the government is working towards enabling reservation in both AMU and Jamia.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 25, 2018 07:23 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).