The academic council of Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law located in Patiala, Punjab, has made a recommendation to drop the name of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi from the university's title. The proposed new name is to be simply 'National Law University.' The confirmation of this proposal was made by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Jaishankar Singh, who indicated that it has already been approved by the academic council. The next step involves sending this recommendation to the executive council and the Punjab government for final approval, effectively making the Punjab government the decision-maker on this matter.

This initiative has stirred political reactions, particularly from the Congress party, with MP Dr. Dharamveer Gandhi representing Patiala voicing strong opposition. He suggested that this decision could be a tactic for political polarization ahead of upcoming elections. Dr. Gandhi accused the Aam Aadmi Party, Shiromani Akali Dal, and BJP of exploiting such issues to gain political advantages, reflecting a larger trend in Indian politics where the renaming of institutions has been increasingly common.

The implications of this proposal may resonate beyond the confines of the university. If approved, the renaming could fuel ongoing debates about historical legacies and identities associated with Indian institutions. It raises questions about how political contexts influence educational institutions and their connection to national history, potentially shaping public sentiment regarding such changes in a highly charged political landscape.