'Government and governor are jointly deceiving people'; VD Satheesan urges higher education minister's resignation

THRISSUR: Opposition leader VD Satheesan has accused Higher Education Department Minister R Bindu of unlawfully writing letter to the Vice-Chancellor (VC) to the Governor, Arif Muhammad Khan. Satheesan claims this move violates UGC norms and the University Act.

Satheesan argues that the appointment of the VC was in breach of UGC regulations and the Minister should not have intervened. Additionally, he points out that the appointment of an officer who exceeded the age limit was deemed illegal by the Supreme Court, confirming the opposition's objections.

The verdict highlighted unnecessary interference by the state government in appointing the alleged illegal VC, prompting Satheesan to call for the immediate resignation of the Higher Education Minister. He criticized the Minister for compromising university autonomy and flouting UGC guidelines.

The opposition alleges collusion between the Governor and the state government claiming that Khan bowed to government pressure. The Supreme Court's warning about the Governor succumbing to government influence has added weight to these allegations.

Furthermore, the opposition objected to a bill passed by the Assembly, curtailing the Lokayukta's powers and transforming universities into government entities. They stress that the Governor should not arbitrarily withhold bills, especially those contested by the opposition.

Satheesan accused the government and the Governor of misleading the public asserting that the supposed disputes between them are fabricated. He highlighted a pattern of cooperation between the government and the Governor during peaceful times and accused them of creating false tensions during crises.