Hyderabad, June 12 -- All universities and higher education institutions in Uttar Pradesh, including medical and dental colleges, have been directed to set up anti-conversion and anti-radicalisation cells following an order from state governor Anandiben Patel, triggering a political row.

A letter dated May 28 from the governor's secretariat, issued by Dr Sudhir M Bobde, Special Executive Officer to the Chancellor, directed vice chancellors and directors of all state universities and institutes to establish what it termed "Dharmantaran Roktham Cells," or conversion prevention cells.

The reason he cited was reports of students allegedly being influenced through inducements, psychological pressure or other unethical means, according to the...