Sarma calls domes at USTM ‘architecture jihad’ after accusing it of ‘flood jihad’
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Despite having stringent laws to curb those who heighten communal tension in society, the law seems to be turning a blind eye to Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who is also perceived to be displaying communal bias and continuing to spread divisive rhetoric.
For everything related to Muslims, he is unrelenting in stamping it as jihad. After accusing the University of Science and Technology, Meghalaya (USTM) of engaging in 'flood jihad,' he has now broadened his critique, alleging that the university is undermining the education system and making symbolic displays of religious animosity
USTM is a private institution located on the outskirts of Guwahati and was founded by Mahbubul Hoque, a Bengali-origin Muslim.
Last week, Sarma attributed recent flash floods in Guwahati to the university's construction activities. He argued that the deforestation and hill-cutting required for the campus were contributing to the flooding. USTM, situated in the Ri-Bhoi district of Meghalaya, is backed by the Education Research and Development Foundation, led by Hoque, who also serves as the Chancellor.
He remarked that the large main gate of the University, which features three domes, was problematic. He expressed discomfort with the presence of a dome representing ‘Mecca’ and suggested that a namghar, reflecting Assam’s neo-Vaishnavite tradition, as well as a church, should also be included. Sarma argued that having all three symbols—'Mecca,' a namghar, and a church—would be more inclusive, rather than having just one.
Sarma has taken issue with the architectural design of USTM’s main gate, which features three domes. He criticized the design as emblematic of religious bias, suggesting that it symbolizes "jihad" and expressing discomfort over what he described as an exclusionary representation.
His remarks included a call for the inclusion of a namghar, a community prayer hall integral to Assam’s neo-Vaishnavite tradition, alongside the existing religious symbols.
Sarma has also questioned the university’s impact on the local educational landscape. Despite previously inaugurating a new block at USTM in 2021—an event attended by the then President Ram Nath Kovind—Sarma now claims he never formally visited the campus for the inauguration.
He argues that USTM’s significant auditorium, the largest in the region, posed a competitive challenge to Guwahati's facilities. In response, he has announced plans to build a larger auditorium in Guwahati, intended to rival USTM’s and ensure that locals do not need to travel for major events.