A fresh controversy erupted at Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) after a notice surfaced, stating that beef biryani would replace chicken biryani in the Sunday lunch menu at Sir Shah Sulaiman Hall. The notice, allegedly issued by two authorized individuals, quickly spread on social media, sparking widespread reactions. Amid mounting criticism, the university administration intervened, clarifying that the inclusion of beef biryani in the menu was a “typing error.” The administration also noted that the notice lacked official signatures, raising doubts about its authenticity. In response, a show-cause notice was issued to the senior students responsible for releasing the document, and the university assured strict action to prevent such incidents in the future.
The controversy took a political turn when Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and AMU alumnus Nishit Sharma accused the university of encouraging radical elements. Sharma criticized the administration for allegedly failing to prevent such incidents and claimed that the public display of the notice indicated a deeper problem within the university. According to him, the university’s actions reflected an attempt to shield students engaging in misconduct. The incident also reignited broader debates about food choices in educational institutions, which have previously been a source of political and social contention in India.
Following the clarification from AMU, the administration emphasized its commitment to maintaining neutrality and ensuring that all official communications undergo proper verification. They also urged students and social media users to avoid spreading misinformation. Despite the clarification, the controversy continues to fuel discussions, with some arguing that it was a deliberate move to provoke a reaction, while others believe it was a genuine mistake. The university’s handling of the situation remains under scrutiny, with political groups and student organizations closely watching further developments.