Patiala Law University to drop prefix ‘Rajiv Gandhi’, Congress raises objections

February 28, 2026

The Academic Council of Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law (RGNUL) in Patiala has recommended removing the prefix “Rajiv Gandhi” from the institution’s name, proposing it be renamed simply National Law University.

The proposal was approved by the academic council and has been forwarded to the university’s executive council and the Punjab Government for necessary approval and clearance. Now after the removal of Rajiv Gandhi’s name, the ‘Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law‘ will be simply known as ‘National Law University, Punjab.’

VC confirms move 

Vice-Chancellor Prof Jaishankar Singh confirmed the development. The move follows demands from Sikh community leaders, including acting Jathedar of Akal Takht Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj in November last year, who argued that retaining Rajiv Gandhi’s name was an “insult to the Sikh community” due to his alleged moral responsibility for the 1984 anti-Sikh riots.

RGNUL was established in 2006 under the Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law, Punjab Act, to become a centre of excellence in legal education amid globalisation and liberalisation. It began operations from Mohindra Kothi in Patiala on May 26, 2006, and gained Bar Council of India approval shortly after.

Congress criticises move to remove Rajiv Gandhi’s name 

The recommendation has faced criticism from local Congress MP Dr Dharamvir Gandhi, who called it a “deliberate attempt to polarise voters” ahead of the Punjab Assembly elections. He accused the Aam Aadmi Party, Shiromani Akali Dal, and BJP of colluding for political gains, and claimed it aligns with efforts by the RSS (BJP’s ideological parent) to erase Congress-linked names from institutions and rewrite history.

He also said such moves distract from real issues like education, health, unemployment, and socio-economic challenges.