Jamia convocation invite to Modi kicks up row

New Delhi, November 27 

An invitation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to be the chief guest at the Jamia Millia Islamia's (JMI) annual convocation has triggered a row with a number of alumni demanding withdrawal of the invite, which the university has rejected. 

Former students Asad Ashraf and Mahtab Alam have written to the Vice Chancellor a letter which has been endorsed by over 50 registered members of the alumni association of JMI. They said their demand was in view of the comments made by Modi against the varsity in 2008. 

However, Jamia Spokesperson Mukesh Ranjan said the invite would not be withdrawn. 

“Jamia has been inviting constitutional authorities for its convocation since its inception. Similarly, an invite has been extended to the PM because of him being a constitutional authority who has also been elected by the people of India,” he said. 

“The students or the alumni are free to have their opinion in the democratic country but we are looking forward to host Modi,”

Ranjan said. — PTI