IIT controversy: Smriti Irani openly challenges Rahul Gandhi to debate on education

NEW DELHI: Giving an open challenge to Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi, HRD Minister Smriti Irani on Friday tweeted, "@OfficeofRG next time fight your battles yourself don't hide behind NSUI. And by the way, I will be returning to Amethi soon. See you there."

In a series of tweets, Irani accused Rahul of sending men to her house in an attempt to scare her. Scores of NSUI workers protested outside Irani's official residence in Delhi over derecognition of an IIT Madras students group.

The Indian Institute of Technology Madras was at the centre of controversy over derecognition of a students group, many of whom are Dalits, following a complaint that it was critical of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, triggering protests from Congress and AAP.

@OfficeofRG yesterday u told NSUI to create disorder where there is order. Today ur goons come to my house as I'm away at work.

— Smriti Z Irani (@smritiirani) May 29, 2015

@OfficeofRG tell ur men strong arm tactics were tried in Amethi n didn't scare me during Lok Sabha elections. They won't scare me now.

— Smriti Z Irani (@smritiirani) May 29, 2015

@OfficeofRG give me a time n place n I'm ready to debate everything re governance including education.

— Smriti Z Irani (@smritiirani) May 29, 2015

@OfficeofRG next time fight ur battles ur self don't hide behind NSUI. N by d way I'm b returning to Amethi soon. See you there.

— Smriti Z Irani (@smritiirani) May 29, 2015

@Zakka_Jacob no diversion just straight talk

— Smriti Z Irani (@smritiirani) May 29, 2015

Irani backed IIT's action, saying the institution has clearly stated that some procedures by the students' organisation was not followed and it knew that Dean will derecognise it for violating norms.

"@OfficeofRG tell your men strong arm tactics were tried in Amethi and didn't scare me during Lok Sabha elections. They won't scare me now," Irani said in her tweets. "@OfficeofRG give me a time and place and I'm ready to debate everything regarding governance including education," she said.

Meanwhile, Rahul Gandhi said, "Free speech is our right. We will fight any attempt to crush dissent and debate". "IIT student group banned for criticizing Modi Government. What next?" he said, according to tweets by his office.

The protesters from Congress' students wing raised anti-government slogans and accused the HRD Ministry of being behind the action against the body.

(With inputs from PTI)