Under attack from various quarters on issues related to varsity affairs, Aligarh Muslim University Vice-Chancellor P. K. Abdul Azis on Wednesday hit back at critics charging that a “caucus” led by a former Member of Parliament was “carrying out a vilification campaign” against him. “A caucus led by a former MP is carrying out a vilification campaign against me,” Prof. Azis told reporters in Aligarh.
Advising those from outside the University, including politicians, not to “poke their noses” in its affairs, Prof. Azis said: “Certain political lobbies are trying to attack the University’s autonomy and meddle in its affairs.” The V-C said some politicians are patronising students who are raising “extraneous” issues. Referring to allegations that the University authorities were trying to put impediments in the ongoing inquiry against him and some other senior officials on charges of financial irregularities, Prof. Azis said: “It is totally baseless to allege that we are trying to derail the inquiry.”
On the reported move by Justice V. N. Divecha, one of the two judges conducting the inquiry, offering to resign after accusing AMU officials of not cooperating, the V-C said: “I am very sad to hear that Justice Divecha has offered to resign but it has nothing to do with anything from our side.” Prof. Azis added that the ongoing inquiry should also cover those who are trying to defame the University.