Congress attacks Modi govt over NIT professor’s appointment as Dean

The Congress has criticised Narendra Modi government for appointing Dr. Shaija A. as the Dean of the Planning and Development Department at the National Institute of Technology-Calicut (NIT-C), effective 7 March 2025.

Dr. Shaija, a professor in the Mechanical Engineering Department, was previously booked by police in February 2024 under IPC Section 153 for allegedly praising Nathuram Godse, Mahatma Gandhi's assassin, on social media.

Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh expressed his disapproval on social media, stating, "A professor in Kerala who publicly says she is proud of Godse for saving India is made a Dean in NIT-Calicut by the Modi government." He further commented, "This is all part of the Modi mindset— Appropriate Gandhi, Glorify Godse."

He added that a former judge of the Calcutta High Court "could not choose between Mahatma Gandhi and Nathuram Godse" and he is now a BJP MP.

Her appointment has also drawn criticism from other political entities. The Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI), the youth wing of the CPI(M), has announced plans for a protest march to NIT-Calicut in opposition to Dr. Shaija's elevation.

Additionally, concerns have been raised regarding the selection process for the dean position. Some faculty members allege that seniority norms were bypassed in Dr. Shaija's appointment. However, NIT-Calicut officials have stated that the institution's Act and statutes were adhered to during the selection process.

The development has ignited a broader debate about the ideological leanings of academic appointments and the potential implications for educational institutions in India.

Shaija was questioned by police in February 2024 following complaints from organisations such as DYFI, SFI, and the Youth Congress against her social media post praising Godse, in response to a post shared by a right-wing advocate.

Shaija was questioned by Kunnamangalam police at her residence in Chathamangalam. Kunnamangalam court granted her anticipatory bail.

In her comment, Shaija had allegedly expressed "pride" in Godse for assassinating Mahatma Gandhi and thus "saving India".

The order from the NIT-Calicut director has instructed Shaija to work alongside the current Dean, Dr Priya Chandran, until 7 March to facilitate a "smooth changeover".

As per the order, this appointment is initially for two years, until further orders.

With PTI inputs