Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has strongly criticized Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) University for removing Thiruvananthapuram—the only entrance test centre in South India—from its list of exam centres.

Taking to social media platform X, Tharoor expressed his disappointment, stating, “Jamia Millia Islamia University (JMI) has removed Thiruvananthapuram from its list of entrance test centres. And it was the only such centre in South India! The city, moreover, witnessed at least 550 students taking the exams. An inexplicable decision: Has JMI decided it doesn't want South Indian students?”

Tharoor called the move “short-sighted” and revealed that he would be writing to the JMI Vice-Chancellor to object strongly. Speaking to ANI, he further questioned the lack of justification for the decision. “It makes absolutely no sense. No explanation has been given to anybody, least of all the students. Last year, around 550 students appeared for the exams in Thiruvananthapuram. Where will this year’s students go?”

The Congress MP also emphasized the need to view India as one nation rather than functioning in isolated regional bubbles. “We have to think of ourselves as one country and not just remain in our own little regions. Many students from the South aspire to study at Jamia. Give them a chance…” he urged.

Tharoor's criticism has sparked a larger debate over regional representation in national institutions. With the entrance test centre's removal, students from Kerala and other southern states now face additional logistical and financial burdens to appear for the exams.