Massive outrage broke out at Aligarh Muslim University after the authorities denied permission to celebrate Holi Milan on campus. This decision has led some students to accuse the university of discriminating against Hindus. The students have now warned that they will take the issue to Prime Minister Narendra Modi if permission is not given.

Akhil Kaushal, a master's student, had requested permission on February 25. On behalf of Hindu students, a letter was submitted to the university proctor, Wasim Ali, addressing the Vice-Chancellor. The request was to hold a Holi Milan event at the NRSC Club on March 9. According to Kaushal, who spoke to India Today, the proctor later told the students that the administration had decided not to allow the Holi celebration to take place on campus. 

"We have audio and video of the kind of discussion that took place in the meeting. If we are not given permission, then we will make those audios and videos viral on social media. Religious events of other religions are organised at AMU. Hindu students have no objection to them. Then why are Hindu students being stopped from organising Holi Milan Samaroh? The Prime Minister had described AMU as a mini India in his address. India is known for respecting all religions. Therefore, AMU Vice Chancellor Professor Naima Khatoon should also respect all religions and give permission for their programme. If we are not allowed to organise Holi Milan, then we will bring this matter to the notice of Prime Minister Narendra Modi," Kaushal told India Today.

The proctor stated that no special event is allowed at the university. He mentioned that students have celebrated Holi in the past without seeking permission for a designated event on campus. Wasim Ali added that while students are free to celebrate Holi on campus or in their hostel rooms as usual, permission will not be granted for any special function. "A letter was received for a Holi Milan Samaroh but I want to say that permission has never been given for such a program at the university and even now, permission will not be given. Holi can be played, but we cannot give permission for celebrations and special events," he said. According to MIC Professor Vibha Sharma of the university's public relations department, the proctor stated that special authorisation was required for this unique event in order to get a designated space, and the university has not yet made a judgment on the matter.

"The administration is not in favour of starting any new traditions or such things in the future. As far as celebrating Holi is concerned, the tradition of Holi has always been there in our campus and not only Holi, there is a tradition of celebrating all the festivals of our country," she stated, mentioning that the institute’s administration would decide whether or not the permission for the event is granted. Several Hindu organisations have expressed their anger over the issue. The All India Karni Sena held a march, where participants chanted slogans like "AMU's dictatorship won't work" Speaking to reporters, a member emphasised the need for action to ensure that festivals of all religions are celebrated equally on the AMU campus. The leader of the Samajwadi Party, Ashutosh Verma, stated that the university administration should take the issue seriously adding that "no one should be stopped from celebrating festivals." 

Former mayor and BJP leader Shakuntala Bharti strongly criticised the university administration for refusing permission for a special Holi event. "This university is not anybody's personal property, it belongs to everybody, whether they are Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs or Christians. Secondly, the way they are acting saying that Holi will not be played. I am saying that Eid will also not be celebrated there. This is an open warning".