Congress MP Questions NIT Calicut Dean’s Appointment Over Alleged Nathuram Godse Remarks

Congress MP Questions NIT Calicut Dean’s Appointment: Congress MP MK Raghavan on Monday raised concerns about the appointment of a professor, who once showered praises on Mahatma Gandhi's killer Nathuram Godse, as the Dean of NIT Calicut.

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The Kozhikode MP took the floor of the Lok Sabha during the Zero Hour to question the elevation of Professor Shaija A to that post, citing her controversial praise of Godse.

Raghavan claimed that Shaija had made a "controversial statement in 2024 praising the assassin of Mahatma Gandhi".

"She said she is proud of Godse for saving India. This statement led to an FIR being registered against the person and an investigation is currently underway," he said. "Unfortunately, she was elevated for this critical statement of hers. I wish to know what message this will give to the nation as a whole."

NIT Calicut is the country's premier institution. The individual appointed as the Dean had made a controversial statement in 2024.

She had praised Nathuram Godse, the assassin of Mahatma Gandhi, which led to an FIR against her, and the investigation is currently underway.

For… pic.twitter.com/eOmufjG0Dd

— Congress (@INCIndia) March 17, 2025

NIT Calicut announced the promotion of Professor Shaija in February, stating that her appointment would be effective on March 7, criticized by the Congress party at the time.

At the time, Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh said, "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."

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What did Professor Shaija say about Nathuram Godse?

According to PTI, on the death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, Shaija shared a social media post praising the assassin of Mahatma Gandhi, Nathuram Godse.

She was commenting on a post by an advocate that read, "Hindu Mahasabha activist Nathuram Godse, a hero of many in Bharat".

Shaija deleted the comment, but most screenshots began to circulate.

Complaints were lodged against her, and Kozhikode City police booked her under IPC section 153 (wantonly giving provocation, with intent to cause riot).

Raghavan indicated that Shaija's controversial statements issued in 2024 could act for a wrong signal.

The Congress party, meanwhile, had said it would launch an agitation at the institute in April calling for the withdrawal of the appointment decision concerning Shaija as dean (planning and development)."

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