The Director of Academy of Theatre Arts (ATA) at Mumbai University- Yogesh Soman was on Tuesday shunted on "forced leave" for making derogatory remarks on women and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi following a two-day long agitation.
"Bombay University's professor(Yogesh Soman)has given an offensive statement against Rahul Gandhi. A professor's work is to teach children, not to give statements like these.He has been sent on leave for now but soon action will be taken," said Maharashtra's Home Minister Anil Deshmukh.
However, Twitter has slammed the minister and Congress party for sending the professor on a "leave". Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap said, "How is this any different from what BJP is doing? People are out on the street fighting for their rights to dissent . Why is this professorβs rights to speak not protected ?"
A Twitter user wrote, "Dear @RahulGandhi,Your coalition govt in Maharashtra is working in the most high-handed manner. If you feel statement given by professor is offensive, should have simply given him warning. Let him continue his job as professor."
Another user wrote,"Democracy & Freedom of speech in danger, anyone?????"
Here is how Twitter reacted: