Lucknow : Controversy erupted at Lucknow University over offering namaz inside the premises. A large gathering assembled and voiced strong objections.
Protesters raised “Jai Shri Ram” chants and demanded that authorities avoid giving the campus a religious identity. Participants stated that the institution holds historic value and should not host prayer activities.
The disagreement centered on Lal Baradari situated within the grounds. Earlier, some individuals supported Muslim classmates after officials stopped namaz there. Those supporters formed a human chain and opposed administrative action. Today, however, another faction appeared with a separate demand.
Group Seeks Approval for Sunderkand Recitation
Amid rising tension, one faction insisted on reading Sunderkand inside the premises. Members argued that equal permission must apply if namaz receives approval. They claimed they had conducted Sunderkand at a designated spot earlier.
According to them, when authorities restricted that recital, allowing namaz inside Lal Baradari seemed inconsistent.
Meanwhile, management began renovation work after declaring the structure dilapidated. Media reported that the building remains weak and carries heritage status. The report added that no portion resembles a mosque. Critics questioned how officials could permit namaz when the structure lacks any mosque-like features.
#WATCH | Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh: Students stage a protest outside the Lal Baradari Masjid built inside Lucknow University over the mosque being closed. pic.twitter.com/i8AofF2khH
— ANI (@ANI) February 23, 2026
Two Factions Stand Opposed as Police Deploy
The matter began last night and has now placed two sides face to face. One camp continues to press for namaz inside the damaged site. The other insists on permission for Sunderkand recital. Authorities have deployed police personnel across the area, and no unpleasant incident has occurred so far.
Media’s ground coverage indicated that Hindu supporters who earlier backed Muslim classmates now appear less unified. Several individuals also questioned why permission applies to prayer in a building that does not resemble a mosque.
Previously, officials stopped certain Muslim learners from offering namaz inside Lal Baradari. Administration representatives cited ongoing renovation as the reason for refusal. Complainants alleged that authorities not only halted access but also installed barricades and locked gates. Hindu participants then gathered and created a human chain to signal communal harmony. Later, they removed barricades, which allowed namaz to proceed. Police arrived afterward, and the atmosphere gradually calmed.
