2-time BJP MP, former cricketer Chetan Chauhan is NIFT's new chairman

Chetan Chauhan, former cricketer and two-time BJP MP, has now been made the chairman of the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT).

According to an Indian Express report, Chauhan expressed gratitude towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi along with BJP president Amit Shah for his appointment.

Throwing light on the factors that must have helped in his selection, the former cricketer told the Indian Express, "This is a Government of India appointment. The names are sent by the Ministry of Textiles, preference is given to people in the party (BJP)."

"They examined many names and ultimately chose me because I am an international sportsman and have experience in banking. I worked with the Bank of Baroda as a Scale-4 officer based in Delhi. For 23 years, I spent quality time in banking," he added.

The daily also quoted him as saying that the BJP MP has already held a few informal meetings at his new office.

The 68-year-old Chauhan, who has played 40 test matches, is also the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) vice-president and a senior BCCI official. He runs a cricket academy and also owns a printing press, the report added.

Chauhan is confident that he will have time for all the roles that he has to play in future.

While talking about his new job, Chauhan said, "We have a Board of Governors and a senate, which includes directors and chairpersons. The supreme body is the Board of Governors, of which I am the chairman. All major decisions are taken in the Board meeting, and I call that meeting. There are three MPs also on the Board."

"My fashion sense is not being flamboyant but well dressed. I am not dashing fashion-oriented because I have to go with what suits my age. But I like to dress up smartly and well," he added.