Mumbai Principal Faces Backlash Over Pro-Palestine Posts

Parveen Shaikh, the principal of Somaiya School in Mumbai, is facing pressure to resign after liking social media posts that support Palestine and criticize India's shift towards Israel under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The controversy began when the right-wing website OpIndia targeted Shaikh in an article on April 24, 2024, accusing her of being "anti-Hindu" and "sympathetic towards Hamas" based on her social media activity.

Why this matters: This incident highlights the growing influence of right-wing propaganda in India and the dangers of suppressing freedom of expression, which can have far-reaching implications for democratic values and individual autonomy. The outcome of this controversy could set a precedent for the limits of personal expression and the role of educational institutions in promoting critical thinking and open discussion.

In response to the backlash, Shaikh has refused to step down, asserting her right to freedom of expression. "I live in democratic India; I hold the principle of freedom of speech in high regard as it is a cornerstone of democracy... I will not resign because I have given hundred per cent to the organisation," Shaikh stated. She has served as principal of Somaiya School for the past 7 years and has been with the institution for a total of 12 years.

The incident has sparked a broader debate about freedom of expression and the growing influence of right-wing propaganda in India. Supporters argue that targeting an individual for their personal beliefs sets a dangerous precedent and undermines democratic values. Parents, students, and civil society organizations have rallied behind Shaikh, expressing dismay at the school management's decision and condemning the OpIndia report as a threat to free speech.

The controversy also highlights India's shifting stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict under Modi's government. Historically, India voted against the partition of Palestine in 1947 and recognized the PLO as the legitimate representative of the Palestinian people in 1974. However, since Modi came to power in 2014, India has become a key arms trade partner with Israel and has cooperated on surveillance technology. Modi was among the first world leaders to express solidarity with Israel after an attack by Hamas in October 2023.

Public displays of solidarity with Palestine have faced suppression in India, while pro-Israel rallies have been consistently present since the start of Israel's ongoing offensive on Gaza. An AI study analyzing over 4,300 tweets from India found that posts favoring Israel outnumbered those supporting Palestine by a 5-to-1 ratio. Right-wing Indian accounts have also been significant sources of anti-Palestinian misinformation and fake news across social media platforms.

As Parveen Shaikh continues to face pressure to resign over her social media posts, the incident has reignited debates around free speech, religious tolerance, and the autonomy of educational institutions in India's charged political climate. Shaikh maintains that her posts align with India's constitutional values and reflect the country's long-standing support for Palestinian rights. The outcome of this controversy could have far-reaching implications for the limits of personal expression and the influence of right-wing ideology on India's secular fabric.

Key Takeaways

• Parveen Shaikh, a Mumbai school principal, faces pressure to resign over social media posts supporting Palestine.
• Right-wing website OpIndia targeted Shaikh, accusing her of being "anti-Hindu" and "sympathetic towards Hamas".
• Shaikh refuses to step down, citing her right to freedom of expression in democratic India.
• The incident sparks debate on freedom of expression, right-wing propaganda, and India's shifting stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict.
• The outcome could set a precedent for personal expression and the influence of right-wing ideology on India's secular fabric.