New Delhi, Jun 18 (Agencies): Chetan Chauhan, a test cricketer who was later a Bharatiya Janata Party lawmaker, has been appointed as Chairman of the National Institute of Fashion Technology, prompting a wave of derision on social media.

When contacted, Chauhan, who is currently vice-president of the Delhi & Districts Cricket Association, said: “I have been appointed (as the NIFT Chairman) by the Government of India and I will work to the best of my ability.”

Set up in 1986, the premier fashion institute, which has centres across the country, comes under the Union Ministry of Textiles. Under the NIFT Act 2006, the Chairperson shall be an eminent academician, scientist or technologist or professional, who is to be nominated by the Visitor, in this case the President of India.

Aam Aadmi Party chief Arvind Kejriwal, Delhi’s Chief Minister, questioned the appointment of Chauhan, accusing the Narendra Modi government of assembling an army of 'sycophants' in top institutions.

”Modiji has selectively assembled an army of sycophants - Gajendra Chauhan, Chetan Chauhan, Pahlaj Nihalani, Smriti Irani,” Kejriwal tweeted. He also named a media person in the tweet.

Gajendra Chauhan, who played some minor roles on television, was appointed chairman of the Film & Television Institute of India. Pahlaj Nihalani, a Bollywood producer who made a youtube video during Modi’s campaign, was appointed chairman of the Central Board of Film Certification.

Chetan Chauhan termed as “baseless” Kejriwal's remarks and the allegation by AAP that he was being rewarded for “shielding” Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley in the alleged irregularities in DDCA.

The AAP mocked the appointment, wondering whether author Chetan Bhagat would be made the next RBI Governor, actor Anupam Kher the chief of India’s space research organisation chief and former Maharashtra Minister Eknath Khadse the chief of the National Intelligence Agency.

”Chauhan's appointment is similar to the appointments to institutions like the FTII and CBFC. This is absurd. He (Chauhan) does not know 'F' about fashion and he is the same person who defended Jaitley. And his appointment has the blessings of Amit Shah and Modi,” AAP spokesperson Raghav Chadha told reporters.