Students of Pune-based FTII are demanding the removal of Gajendra Chauhan as chairman

Students of Pune's prestigious Film and Television Institute (FTII) were warned today of possible expulsion if they didn't end their protests against chairman Gajendra Chauhan and rejoin classes.A circular from the institute's director, warning of strict action, including expulsion, was handed over to students who have been on strike for over a month.The students have been boycotting classes in protest against the appointment of Mr Chauhan, alleging that he lacks the credentials and vision need for the post, and that he was appointed only because of his proximity to the ruling BJP.Mr Chauhan has refused to quit and has dismissed the protests as well as advice from several renowned film personalities to step down.A meeting between the protesters and Information and Broadcasting Minister Arun Jaitley failed to produce a solution to the row.Oscar winning sound engineer Resul Pookutty, who met the senior minister along with other protesters to press for Mr Chauhan's removal, tweeted last week: "Not just @AnupamPkher Mr.@arunjaitley also told us in the meeting that we haven't made the best of choice but as a Govt.we can't retract!"In the middle of the crisis, the government has put off an interview to select the new director of FTII, sources have told NDTV. The interview was to be conducted by a panel headed by Mr Chauhan.