Karnataka College Lecturer Claims Chandrayaan-3 Will Fail; Triggers Controversy

A Kannada lecturer has landed in the centre of controversy after mocking 'Chandrayaan-3', saying the Moon mission will fail.

Reportedly, the lecturer from the Malleswaram Government Pre-Graduate College ridiculed India's ambitious mission to the Moon on Twitter. "Chandrayaana e sala tirupati namana gati ansute," he allegedly said on Twitter. It roughly means the mission might be a failure this time as well.

It has to be noted that a team of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) scientists offered prayers at the Tirupati temple in Andhra Pradesh ahead of the Chandrayaan-3 launch.

His tweet did not go well with netizens who criticised him with strong words. Meanwhile, the college where he works has said that it has sought an explanation from him over his controversial comments.

"Murthy's social media post on Chandrayaan-3 came to my notice on Monday. We have sought an explanation from the lecturer as to why he posted such a message. He will submit his reply on Wednesday. Based on it, we will take appropriate action," Indian Express quoted The deputy director of PU (Bengaluru North) as saying.

On the other hand, senior BJP leader Suresh Kumar has written to Karnataka education minister, Madhubangrappa, demanding a clarification from the Kannada lecturer over his remarks on 'Chandrayaan-3'.

"While the entire country wishes and prays for the success of Chandrayaan-3, Hulikunte Murthy has shown unhealthy behaviour by posting on social media that 'this time also Chandrayaan gone case' (e salavu chandrayan -3 tirupati naama ansatte) is being said," it read. "He has shown his freedom of expression in this way. How can such a person motivate our students? I request you to check on him and warn and warn them not to repeat this kind of irresponsible behaviour by this lecturer," the letter said further.

India's third moon mission, Chandrayaan-3 was successfully launched onboard a Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (LVM-3) rocket from the second launch pad at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota on July 14.