181 academicians slam Rahul Gandhi in open letter | Read why

• Over 180 vice chancellors and noted academicians criticize Rahul Gandhi's comments on the selection process of university heads
• In an open letter headed "torchbearers being torched," academicians have hit out at RaGa 
• Demanding proper action against Gandhi the academicians accused him of spreading falsehood with the intent to derive political mileage 

More than 180 vice chancellors and distinguished academicians from prominent universities across India have penned an open letter condemning Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's recent remarks regarding the selection process of university heads.

In the open letter titled “torchbearers being torched”, the academics said Rahul Gandhi has questioned the merit of the process through which vice chancellors are appointed.

Quoting from the letter, "It has come to our notice from tweet and open sources of Shri Rahul Gandhi, Congress Leader, that appointment of Vice Chancellors is made solely on the basis of affiliation with some organization rather than on the basis of merit and qualification, thereby questioning the merit of the process through which the Vice Chancellors are appointed."

“The process by which Vice Chancellors are selected is characterised by stringent, transparent, rigorous procedure grounded on values of meritocracy, scholarly distinction and integrity. The selection has been completely based on academic and administrative prowess and with a vision to take Universities ahead,” it added.

Further, it demanded appropriate action against Rahul Gandhi  for disseminating false information with the motive of political gain.

The VCs’ letter comes after Gandhi’s comments alleging that the selection process for the posts was biased. Rahul Gandhi has said that VCs were not appointed on merit but for their affiliation to ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)’s ideological fount, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).