Popular ed-tech firm Unacademy reportedly sacked one of its teachers for asking students not to vote for illiterate leaders in the upcoming elections. Unacademy faced social media backlash over its decision, with Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal asking if it was a crime to ask people to vote for educated leaders.
While the teacher, Karan Sangwan, did not name any politician, Unacademy came under pressure after followers of a particular party felt that he was speaking about their leader, forcing the company to fire the educator.
Sangwan was heard saying in a video that has gone viral, "Remember, whenever you vote next time, choose a literate person so you don't face this situation again. Vote for a person who understands things. Make your decisions properly"
Sharing a tweet on the news on his social media platform X, Delhi CM Kejriwal wrote in Hindi. "If someone is illiterate, personally I respect him. But people's representatives cannot be illiterate. This is the era of science and technology. Illiterate public representatives can never build the modern India of 21st century," the Delhi CM pointed out.
A hashtag, #UninstallUnacademy began trending on X after reports of the action by the company came out.
A user pointed out that the teacher did not take anyone's name and so, the company should have stood by him, instead of initiating action against him.
A user alleged that Unacademy is working for the BJP.
Unacademy is a spineless organisation, another wrote.