NEW DELHI, Jun 20 (PTI) : A controversy erupted over the appointment of ex-cricketer and former BJP MP Chetan Chauhan as the chairman of the National Institute of Fashion Technology, with political parties and fashion designers questioning the decision of the government.

Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal questioned the appointment of Chauhan, accusing the Narendra Modi government of assembling an army of "sycophants" in prestigious institutions.

"Modiji has selectively assembled an army of sycophants Gajendra Chauhan, Chetan Chauhan, Pahlaj Nihalani, Arnab Gosami, Smriti Irani," Kejriwal tweeted.

Chauhan termed as "baseless"AAP's allegations that he was being rewarded for "shielding" Union finance minister Arun Jaitley in the alleged irregularities in DDCA. "I have been appointed by the government of India (as NIFT chairman) and I will work to the best of my ability," said chauhan, who is also the vice president of Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA).

As per the NIFT Act 2006, the chairperson of its board of governors shall be an eminent academician, scientist or technologist, who is to be nominated by the visitor, in this case the President of India.