The Aligarh Muslim University Teachers' Association (AMUTA) today supported Rahul Gandhi's efforts to rid the political system of criminal and divisive elements and to give minorities equal rights.

"We fully support your attempt to rid the political system of criminal elements and those who stand for divisive policies and communal hatred," secretary AMUTA Jamshed Siddiqui said.

"Rahul Gandhi has given a fresh hope for the future of India in which minorities are given equal rights and a due share in the development process," he said. Gandhi was on a day's visit to Aligarh Muslim University to interact with students and the faculty.

The teachers' association also handed over a memorandum to Gandhi appealing him to use his good offices for ensuring that the democratic rights of the university students are restored.

The memorandum also demanded that the vice chancellor of AMU PK Abdul Azis, presently facing inquiry into charges of alleged financial irregularities and violation of norms, "should be asked to proceed on leave immediately".

"This step is necessary to prevent any tampering with the evidence by those facing the inquiry," the memorandum stated.