New Delhi, Feb 27: The Congress has strongly criticized the Modi government over the appointment of Dr. Shaija A as the Dean of Planning and Development at the National Institute of Technology-Calicut (NIT-Calicut). The controversy arises from allegations that she praised Nathuram Godse, Mahatma Gandhi’s assassin, on social media, sparking political outrage.
In an official order issued by the NIT-Calicut Director, Dr. Shaija is set to assume her new role on March 7. However, her appointment has been met with fierce opposition, as a police case is reportedly pending against her over a social media post on Mahatma Gandhi’s Martyr’s Day.
Ramesh also drew attention to a former Calcutta High Court judge, now a BJP MP, who had previously expressed ambiguity in choosing between Gandhi and Godse. He accused the BJP-led government of following a pattern: “Appropriate Gandhi, Glorify Godse.”
The appointment has also sparked protests from political groups. The DYFI, the youth wing of the CPI(M), has announced plans for a protest march to NIT-Calicut, demanding the revocation of her appointment.
The controversy continues to intensify, with political parties and student organizations voicing their opposition, raising concerns over the ideological leanings of academic appointments under the current administration.
In an official order issued by the NIT-Calicut Director, Dr. Shaija is set to assume her new role on March 7. However, her appointment has been met with fierce opposition, as a police case is reportedly pending against her over a social media post on Mahatma Gandhi’s Martyr’s Day.
Congress Raises Concerns Over "Glorification of Godse"
Congress General Secretary in-charge of Communications, Jairam Ramesh, took to X (formerly Twitter) to condemn the appointment. He alleged that a professor who "publicly says she is proud of Godse for saving India" has been given a senior position in a prestigious institution under the Modi government.Ramesh also drew attention to a former Calcutta High Court judge, now a BJP MP, who had previously expressed ambiguity in choosing between Gandhi and Godse. He accused the BJP-led government of following a pattern: “Appropriate Gandhi, Glorify Godse.”
Legal Troubles and Opposition From Political Parties
The controversy surrounding Dr. Shaija stems from a social media post in which she allegedly expressed pride in Godse’s assassination of Gandhi. Following complaints from organizations including the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI), the Students’ Federation of India (SFI), and the Youth Congress, she was questioned by the Kunnamangalam police in February last year. The Kunnamangalam court later granted her anticipatory bail.The appointment has also sparked protests from political groups. The DYFI, the youth wing of the CPI(M), has announced plans for a protest march to NIT-Calicut, demanding the revocation of her appointment.
NIT-Calicut Defends Appointment Amidst Protests
According to the institute’s official order, Dr. Shaija will work alongside the current Dean, Dr. Priya Chandran, until March 7 for a "smooth changeover." The tenure of the appointment is initially for two years or until further orders.The controversy continues to intensify, with political parties and student organizations voicing their opposition, raising concerns over the ideological leanings of academic appointments under the current administration.
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