Dhaka, Dec 12 (bdnews24.com) – Former Indian cabinet minister and Janata Party leader Subramanian Swamy suggested to annex land from Bangladesh in proportion to its illegal migrants staying in India.

Swamy's suggestion came through an article published by an Indian newspaper Daily News & Analysis or DNA on July 16, media reports say.

Following the publication of the controversial article, Harvard University cancelled two of the summer courses taught by Swamy — 'Quantitative Methods in Economics and Business' and 'Economic Development in India and East Asia'.

The article that caught attention of both the Indian and the US media, suggested that "northern one-third from Sylhet to Khulna can be annexed to re-settle the illegal migrants".

He also advocated destruction of hundreds of Indian mosques and disenfranchisement of non-Hindus in India.

Former MP's article read: "...if any Muslim does so acknowledge his or her Hindu legacy, then we Hindus can accept him or her as a part of the Brihad Hindu Samaj (larger Hindu society), which is Hindustan.

"India that is Bharat that is Hindustan is a nation of Hindus and others whose ancestors are Hindus. Even Parsis and Jews in India have Hindu ancestors. Others, who refuse to so acknowledge or those foreigners who become Indian citizens by registration can remain in India, but should not have voting rights."

The Indian politician further wrote: "While the PM thinks that Maoists' threat is most serious, I think Islamic terrorism is an even more serious existential threat. If we did not have today the present Union Home Minister, PM, and UPA chairperson, then Maoists can be eliminated in a month."

Swamy received significant criticism for his article.

"Swamy's op-ed clearly crosses the line by demonizing an entire religious community and calling for violence against their sacred places," Harvard University professor for Comparative Religion Diana L. Eck said.

"Harvard has a moral responsibility not to affiliate itself with anyone who expresses hatred towards a minority group," she said. "There is a distinction between unpopular and unwelcome political views."

Reacting to the university's move, Swamy told reporters in New Delhi on Thursday, "It is a dangerous principle that stifles personal opinion."

bdnews24.com