The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has criticised Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan for advocating the renaming of Ravenshaw University, one of the state’s oldest and most prestigious institutions.

While the BJD has cornered Pradhan on the issue, the BJP has hit back, asking the BJD to leave the colonial legacy mentality.

Coming down heavily on Pradhan, BJD spokesperson Lelin Mohanty said: “The minister should apologise for making such a statement. Ravenshaw University is attached to the emotions of every Odia. On the pretext of Odia Asmita, one should not try to undermine the importance of the 156-year glorious history of the Ravenshaw College.”

As per the Ravenshaw University’s website, it was “founded in 1868 with intermediate-level classes at the Cuttack Zilla (district) School (now Ravenshaw Collegiate School). The high school was elevated to a first-grade college in 1876. It became widely known as Cuttack College until it was rechristened Ravenshaw College as a tribute to Thomas Edward Ravenshaw, who was the Commissioner of Cuttack Division.”

Mohanty said: “All are aware of Thomas Edward Ravenshaw’s contribution to higher education. What would we achieve by changing the name of the prestigious university? Being the education minister, he should ensure that the infrastructure of the universities is upgraded. The education system upgraded.”

In a meeting at Cuttack on Saturday, Pradhan said, “There is a need for a name change. What did Ravenshaw do during the Na’ank Durbhikya famine? Many odias were killed in the famine.”