Assam CM Himanta Sarma Criticizes Meghalaya University’s Architecture, Alleging Religious Bias

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has continued his criticism of the University of Science and Technology, Meghalaya (USTM). They start questioning the architecture of the main gate of the university, which he claims resembles the holy site of Mecca. This comes just days after he accused the university of causing flash floods in Guwahati through what he termed “flood jihad.”

Hemanta Biswa Sarma has been vocal in his allegations he said that the university’s construction work, including deforestation and hill cutting, was responsible for the recent flash floods in Guwahati. 

Pointing to the three domes atop the university’s main gate, Sarma suggested that the design was intended to resemble Mecca and Medina. He argued that it was inappropriate for a public institution and proposed that a namghar (a community prayer hall in Assam’s neo-Vaishnavite tradition) and a church should also be included to represent all religions. “It’s uncomfortable to pass through there; you have to walk under ‘Mecca.’ Why not have a namghar and a church too? If they’re going to build Mecca, they should build the others as well,” Sarma was quoted as saying.

The Chief Minister went on to accuse the university of engaging in what he called the “father of jihad,” linking the institution’s activities to broader social issues. Sarma’s statements echoed those of former Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi, who had also blamed the Jorabat area for Guwahati’s flooding problems.

Sarma questioned why the hill cutting appeared to affect Guwahati more than Meghalaya, insinuating that this was part of a deliberate effort he termed “flood jihad.” Last week, Sarma took to social media to share satellite images of the Greater Jorabat Hills, highlighting deforestation near the university as evidence of the cause of recent flash floods.

Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi criticized Sarma’s remarks. He said, “Can someone stop Assam’s Chief Minister Himanta Biswa from his repeated nonsense? This is nothing but an exaggerated cover-up for his failures and scams.”