Smriti Irani and Rahul Gandhi indulge in Twitter slugfest over IIT Madras controversy

New Delhi: The current war of words between Congress Vice-President Rahul Gandhi and HRD minister Smriti Irani is reminiscent of the 2014 Lok Sabha election rallies. While Rahul 2.0 is not letting go of any opportunity to take the government to task, Irani too has been equally aggressive. The fiery Human Resource Development Minister has also challenged the Congress MP from Amethi to an open challenge on Twitter.

The present furore is over the HRD Ministry's move to forward a complaint made by some students against Ambedkar-Periyar Study Circle(APSC) - a student-led organisation at IIT-Madras which led to the body's de-recognistion by the institute.

In his tweets, Rahul criticised the Modi government for stifling dissent and curbing the fundamental right to freedom of speech and expression. Not a person who takes things lying down, Smriti hit out at Rahul and backed IIT-Madras.

"Students’ organisation knew that if procedures are not followed that body will be derecognized by Dean," the HRD Minister said. She then posted a series of tweets challenging and mocking Rahul.

Scores of NSUI workers also held a protest outside Smriti Irani's official residence in New Delhi. The protesters from Congress' students wing raised anti-government slogans and accused the HRD Ministry of being behind the action against the body.

In a series of tweets in reply to Rahul's comments on Twitter, a furious Smriti Irani taking a jibe at Rahul asked to him to fight his own battles and not use NSUI as shield. The HRD minister also openly challenged him to debate with her at a time and place of his choice.

Ambedkar Periyar Students Circle was "de-recognised" following an allegation that it was instigating hatred against the Prime Minister, and policies like promotion of Hindi and ban on beef.