Updated on: Monday, April 30, 2012
BJP MPs from the state said they would hold a protest rally here and claimed support of leaders from across the political spectrum for establishment of the proposed central university of Bihar at Motihari.
They said setting up the university in Motihari would address the issue of regional disparity and ensure equitable development of the state.
BJP MP Radha Mohan Singh told reporters here flanked by other BJP leaders, "When the state legislative assembly has unanimously passed a resolution for setting up the university in Motihari, I fail to understand why HRD Minister Kapil Sibal is against it."
The varsity proposal has created a rift between Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and HRD Minister Kapil Sibal, who has favoured Gaya as an ideal location for the institution and not in Motihari as the place is close to an international airport and is well connected.
Sibal also insists that Gaya as a location will help the varsity get quality faculty and also help it attain centre of excellence. The Ministry has been allocated land by the Defence Ministry there for the varsity, which at present is functioning from a temporary accommodation in Patna.
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar had earlier accused the Centre of taking a "unilateral" decision in setting up a central university in Gaya bypassing the state's request to locate it at Motihari, a contention dismissed by the HRD Ministry.
Singh said the rally will be attended by MPs from various political parties in the state.