NEW DELHI: In the latest twist to the controversy surrounding alleged attempts to “saffronise” the higher education sector in Kerala, Governor Arif Mohammed Khan has responded to accusations leveled against him by Kerala’s higher education minister R Bindu.
Following Bindu’s allegations, Governor Khan addressed the issue on Monday, saying while Bindu is entitled to her opinion, he questioned the actions criticized by the highest court.He referenced a specific instance regarding the appointment of the Vice-Chancellor of Kannur University, where Bindu’s actions were challenged and criticized by the Supreme Court. Khan emphasized that Bindu had exceeded her authority in recommending the name of the Vice-Chancellor, asserting that she had no business in the matter.
“She is entitled to her opinion. But if there was a person with a sense of honor and dignity then what Supreme Court had said in the matter of Kannur University? Whose actions came under criticism by the highest court? She exceeded her authority when she recommended the name of the Kannur University Vice-Chancellor. She had no business,” Khan said.
“Even after that if she keeps talking about these then I wish her all the best,” he added.
Despite Khan’s response, Bindu has continued her criticism, accusing Khan of attempting to saffronise the higher education sector in the state. This allegation comes in the wake of the Kerala high court setting aside student nominations made by Governor Khan to the Senate of Kerala University, where he serves as Chancellor.
According to Bindu, the students nominated lacked excellence in various fields such as arts, culture, and sports, and were chosen solely because of their affiliation with the Akhil Bharatiya Vidhyarthi Parishad (ABVP).
The court’s decision came in response to a plea filed by students of the university, challenging the nominations made by Governor Khan. The petitioners alleged that proper procedures were not followed, and individuals lacking merit were nominated to the senate.
In light of the court’s ruling, Governor Khan has been directed to select fresh nominees within a period of six weeks.
Following Bindu’s allegations, Governor Khan addressed the issue on Monday, saying while Bindu is entitled to her opinion, he questioned the actions criticized by the highest court.He referenced a specific instance regarding the appointment of the Vice-Chancellor of Kannur University, where Bindu’s actions were challenged and criticized by the Supreme Court. Khan emphasized that Bindu had exceeded her authority in recommending the name of the Vice-Chancellor, asserting that she had no business in the matter.
“She is entitled to her opinion. But if there was a person with a sense of honor and dignity then what Supreme Court had said in the matter of Kannur University? Whose actions came under criticism by the highest court? She exceeded her authority when she recommended the name of the Kannur University Vice-Chancellor. She had no business,” Khan said.
“Even after that if she keeps talking about these then I wish her all the best,” he added.
Despite Khan’s response, Bindu has continued her criticism, accusing Khan of attempting to saffronise the higher education sector in the state. This allegation comes in the wake of the Kerala high court setting aside student nominations made by Governor Khan to the Senate of Kerala University, where he serves as Chancellor.
According to Bindu, the students nominated lacked excellence in various fields such as arts, culture, and sports, and were chosen solely because of their affiliation with the Akhil Bharatiya Vidhyarthi Parishad (ABVP).
The court’s decision came in response to a plea filed by students of the university, challenging the nominations made by Governor Khan. The petitioners alleged that proper procedures were not followed, and individuals lacking merit were nominated to the senate.
In light of the court’s ruling, Governor Khan has been directed to select fresh nominees within a period of six weeks.