An NIT-Calicut professor, Shaija Andavan, who has been appointed as the Dean of the Planning and Development Department, with effect from March 7, has come under attack from opposition parties for her old comment on social media.
According to reports, in February last year, Shaija was arrested for commenting "Proud of Godse for saving India" and was later released on bail.
Abuse Gandhi, Get Rewarded: The BJP's New Qualification Criteria for Top Postings?
— Pawan Khera (@Pawankhera) February 26, 2025
The appointment of Shaija Andavan, who openly praised Mahatma Gandhi’s assassin Nathuram Godse, as the Dean of Planning and Development at NIT-Calicut is yet another example of the BJP… pic.twitter.com/azEw8FPQQY
After she was appointed Dean, Congress leader Pawan Khera reacted sharply to the development.
Taking to X, Khera attacked the BJP for her appointment and said, "Abuse Gandhi, Get Rewarded: The BJP's New Qualification Criteria for Top Postings?"
Describing Shaija's appointment as "yet another example of the BJP government's systematic promotion of those who insult India's national icons," Khera said, "While PM Modi pays lip service to Mahatma Gandhi on foreign trips, his government continues to elevate individuals who openly celebrate the very forces that sought to destroy Gandhi's legacy."
"Is this the 'New India' the BJP envisions, where those who spew venom against Gandhi and India's freedom struggle are rewarded with prestigious positions?" he questioned.
Shaija is facing strong opposition from political parties. The student wing of the CPI(M) has announced a protest march to NIT.