The administration of Quaid-e-Millath College in Chennai has issued a notice seeking an explanation from Tamil professor Haja Gani over his participation in political activities, triggering fresh controversy.
Haja Gani, 55, who serves as Head of the Tamil Department and professor at the government-aided Quaid-e-Millath College in Medavakkam, is also the general secretary of the Tamil Nadu Muslim Munnetra Kazhagam (TMMK), an affiliate of the Manithaneya Makkal Katchi (MMK), which is part of the DMK alliance.
The issue surfaced after he participated in the recent alliance talks of the MMK, attended by party leader Jawahirullah and others. His presence at the political meeting while drawing a government-aided salary has drawn criticism in academic and political circles.
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#WATCH | Chennai: President of the Manithaneya Makkal Katchi (MMK), M. H. Jawahirullah, says, “At the DMK headquarters Anna Arivalayam, Manithaneya Makkal Katchi (MMK) had talks with the team led by DMK treasurer and Lok Sabha MP T.R. Baalu…Manithaneya Makkal Katchi has roots… pic.twitter.com/TGmKvFbHcE
— ANI (@ANI) February 23, 2026
Dawood Miyakhan, general secretary of the Quaid-e-Millath Education and Social Trust, has written to Chief Minister MK Stalin expressing concern over the development. In the letter, he stated that it was shocking to see a professor from a government-aided college taking part in alliance negotiations on behalf of a political party.
He argued that a professor receiving government aid and salary participating in political negotiations could be legally problematic and urged the Chief Minister to take appropriate action. The letter also raised concerns about the Chief Minister holding talks with individuals who have faced various allegations in the past.
Following the controversy, the college management issued a formal notice to Haja Gani seeking clarification regarding his involvement in political events.
Sources in the higher education sector indicated that the matter had already generated debate within academic circles and that the professor was attempting to address the situation through Higher Education Minister Chezhiyan. When contacted for comment earlier, Haja Gani had not responded.
However, responding to the allegations, Haja Gani denied wrongdoing. He stated that the Tamil Nadu Muslim Munnetra Kazhagam is a social movement and not a political organisation and that he holds a position within that body. He maintained that his participation in the alliance meeting was not to discuss politics but to present the demands of his community.
He further alleged that a smear campaign was being carried out against him because he had raised concerns about high fee collection at Quaid-e-Millath College.
Source: Dinamalar
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