Former Indian cricketer and two-time BJP MP, Chetan Chauhan, thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP president Amit Shah for his appointment as the new chairman of the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT).
According to the NIFT Act 2006, the chairperson of the Board of Governors (BoG) is expected to be "an eminent academician, scientist or technologist or professional, to be nominated by the Visitor" of the institute, which is the President.
Also read: Ex-cricketer Chetan Chauhan appointed as NIFT chairman
On the other hand, Chauhan is the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) vice-president and a senior BCCI official. He also runs a cricket academy and owns a newsprint business. And, more importantly, he doesn't fit the bill to be NIFT chairperson.
While talking to The Indian Express, Chauhan said: "This is a Government of India appointment. The names (for the post of chairman) 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.
When asked how does he plan to balance multiple roles, Chauhan revealed, "I will spend 60% of the time in DDCA, 20% at NIFT and 20% in my business."
Though Chauhan desperately tried to justify his appointment, but the news took social media by storm. Twitterati did not hold back.
Time for BCCI to announce Manish Malhotra as Indian team's coach. #ChetanChauhan
— Psycho (@i_Psycho) June 18, 2016
Chetan Chauhan to head National Institute of Fashion Technology. Now really! What next?
— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) June 18, 2016
Ex-Cricketer Chetan Chauhan is Chief of NIFT.
— Sorabh Pant (@hankypanty) June 18, 2016
Love his fashion.
Here he is in Shikari Shambhu's new Fall collection. pic.twitter.com/PLzBo0i9n2
Govt played permutation combination to arrive at #ChetanChauhan appointment. "Chetan" "Bhagat" "Gajendra" "Chauhan".
— DJWalaBabu (@DJ_Bhokali) June 18, 2016
Next: Gajendra Bhagat
After Gajendra chauhan for FTII, Chetan Chauhan for NIFT, abt time we made Annu Kapoor the head of ISRO. #IssLaunchPeKuchNahiBolneKa
— Gabbbar (@GabbbarSingh) June 18, 2016
Chetan Chauhan is NIFT chief. India need a cricket coach. How about Rohit Bal?
— Abhijit Majumder (@abhijitmajumder) June 18, 2016
After appointing Chetan Chauhan as the Head of Fashion School NIFT, @aliaa08 appointed as the new coach of the Indian Cricket team.
— Me (@PLsays) June 18, 2016
First published: 18 June 2016, 16:59 IST#Modi confused with the terminology as usual:#ChetanChauhan made #NIFT head.
— Adharheen & Cashless (@nikhilesh01) June 18, 2016
Qualification: He spend time in "Dressing room" as cricketer.