Partha Chatterjee defends D Litt for Mamata Banerjee

Kolkata: Countering the Opposition’s criticism, state education minister Partha Chatterjee on Saturday defended the Calcutta University’s decision to confer D.Litt. to chief minister Mamata Banerjee. He said that Ms Banerjee was the most suitable candidate to have been selected for the honour. 

“It was a very good decision. The most suitable person is getting it. This is not an appeasement. She has written around 70 books on the subject,” Mr Chatterjee said. He was speaking to the media on the sidelines of an event on the occasion of the birth anniversary celebrations of Sister Nivedita.

Endorsing the Calcutta University’s move, he asked, “Won’t her own state honour her for her work for the upliftment of the women and their education especially when her government’s Kanyashree project won an award abroad? Definitely it would. We would also welcome other universities if they take such decisions.” 

On October 25, the Calcutta University announced its decision to confer D. Litt. to the chief minister following a senate-syndicate meeting. Ms Banerjee also agreed to receive the honour at Nazrul Mancha on January 11 next year at the varsity’s annual convocation ceremony for her contribution in the field of arts, literature and social welfare.

Ms Banerjee is also expected to deliver an address upon receiving the honour. However, the varsity’s move has drawn the Opposition parties’ ire. CPI(M) MLA Sujan Chakraborty said, “There has been no instance in the country of a political personality, while in the chair of the chief minister, receiving D.Litt.”

He claimed that the Calcutta University’s decision would create anger among the public. “There is no language to protest it,” Mr Chakraborty added. Congress president Adhir Chowdhury had also slammed the move.