In a new government order, the Manipur Governor, Najma Heptulla, has been appointed as the chancellor of Jamia Milia Islamia.
She will succeed Lt Gen (Retd) MA Zaki who has completed his five-year term. Heptulla’s tenure begins with effect from 26 May.
Before switching loyalties, Heptullah had acted as the Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha for sixteen years. She had later joined the BJP, which rewarded her with first a ministry in the Modi government before appointing her as the Governor of Manipur.
Vice Chancellor, Prof Talat Ahmad said, “The university will be greatly benefited from her rich experience in both political and public life. It will be our privilege to work with her and to learn from her distinguished career in Parliament and internationally.”
Heptullah was in the centre of a controversial government formation recently, when the BJP despite securing the least number of seats had gone on to form the government in this north-eastern state.
The BJP, whose member Heptullah has been for a number of years now, was widely condemned for not honouring the values of democracy and using the office of Governor to form government in the state.
More to follow
