Udaipur/Jaipur- Mohanlal Sukhadia University (MLSU) Vice-Chancellor Prof. Sunita Mishra is in the middle of a political and social tempest after her provocative statements on Mughal emperor Aurangzeb sparked state-wide outrage in Rajasthan. Under massive attack from political outfits, student groups, and civil society units, Prof. Mishra had no option but to tender an unconditional public apology on Wednesday with a view to diluting the raging crisis.
The Controversial Statement
The row started at a seminar organised by a university on September 12, 2025, when Prof. Mishra is reported to have referred to Aurangzeb as a “great administrator”. She also compared his style of administration with the legacies of great Rajput heroes Maharana Pratap and Prithviraj Chauhan.
Her remarks instantaneously outraged people, particularly in the region of Mewar, where Maharana Pratap is well idolized as a representation of resistance and Rajput pride. Numerous groups of people termed the statement insensitive to history and even insulting, believing that comparing a Mughal emperor, who was perceived by a number of communities as an oppressor of Hindu culture, to local Rajput heroes constituted an insult to Rajasthan’s cultural identity.
Political and Social Backlash
The comments were criticized as a whole by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), and the Rashtriya Rajput Karni Sena. The leaders of these parties called for Prof. Mishra’s resignation at once, citing that she was causing “pain to the sentiments of Mewar.”.
The Karni Sena, notorious for its militant approach towards Rajput pride, crossed a step further in calling her words “blasphemous.” The organization was very much opposed to what it referred to as an “insulting analogy” between Maharana Pratap, revered for his bravery against Mughal dominance, and Aurangzeb, whom they referred to as an “intruder” who brought about cultural and religious damage.
ABVP activists further held protests on the MLSU campus, threatening that they would persistently disrupt Prof. Mishra’s administrative tasks unless she resigned. Protests soon extended beyond the campus, spreading strength throughout Udaipur and surrounding districts.
The Apology
As a response to mounting outrage, Prof. Mishra issued a video statement on Wednesday. She used the opportunity to state deep regret and offer a personal apology to the people of Mewar. Addressing specifically organizations such as the Karni Sena and ABVP, she acknowledged that her words had offended and asked that the issue be deemed closed.
Later, in an interview with The Times of India, she stood by her words: “I apologize unconditionally. The matter should be considered over from now.”
Even then, protests on campus did not cease, with various groups not accepting her apology as adequate. Most believed that regret alone could not reverse the damage that her words had done.
Political Leaders Weigh In
The problem soon gained a political flavor. Cabinet minister Babulal Kharadi lashed out at Prof. Mishra vociferously, charging that her remarks represented a “Maoist ideology”. He wondered about the motive of eulogizing Aurangzeb and said that the citizens of Udaipur were feeling thoroughly insulted. Kharadi also declared that he would take the issue to the state government, the chief minister, and the governor and ask for action right away.
Similarly, Udaipur MP Manna Lal Rawat joined the chorus, demanding Mishra’s removal. He accused her of working “against the national interest”, arguing that her statements undermined the cultural values of Rajasthan.
Governor’s Office Takes Note
In the face of growing pressure, sources said that Governor Haribhau Bagde’s office has officially accepted the grievances lodged against Prof. Mishra. Even though the Governor is at present in Maharashtra, he will reportedly look into the matter and take a decision after his return to Rajasthan on September 22.
The move has further added to speculations that Prof. Mishra could be subjected to strong administrative action, including potential removal from her job.
Tenure Under Question
Prof. Mishra was made Vice-Chancellor of MLSU in 2023 when former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot’s regime was underway. She has eight months remaining in her three-year term. With the controversy refusing to die, political analysts feel that calls for her resignation may gather momentum in the days ahead.
The Road Ahead
The furor underscores the tenuous nexus of history, identity, and politics in Rajasthan. Although Prof. Mishra’s apology was meant to settle the issue, protests and political assaults indicate that the row is not yet over.
For the moment, the university campus is tense, with student outfits threatening to continue the agitation. The final result may finally hinge on the Governor’s ruling on his return.
As Rajasthan looks on, the discussion highlights in which ways old-fashioned interpretations continue to inform present-day political and cultural sensitivities.
