Kerala University senate meeting: Governor arrives amidst heavy security, minister R Bindu and VC engage in altercation

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Senate Hall of Kerala University witnessed dramatic scenes during the senate meeting held today. Higher Education minister R Bindu, who came unexpectedly to the meeting, engaged in a verbal altercation with the VC. The Governor and 11 members of the Senate reached the hall this morning.

During the meeting, a left member moved a motion that the search committee representative need not be appointed. The minister then declared the meeting to be over and the resolution to have been passed. VC Mohanan Kunnummal, however, spoke out against this.

The Senate meeting was held at the University of Kerala after the Governor's ultimatum to appoint a university representative to the search committee. There were criticisms and controversies directed towards the decision to hold the meeting. In spite of all of this, the meeting was convened today. The selection of the university nominee was the sole item on the agenda for the meeting.

One-third of the member strength is sufficient to complete the quorum in the 106-member Senate

Although the Left members are in the majority, the quorum can be completed by the presence of Chancellor nominees, UDF representatives and official members. The decision of the CPM is that the Senate representative should not be given until the Governor decides on the University Amendment bill.

Tight security has been put in place after the SFI announced that it would stop the Governor's nominees. Police security has been ensured around the Senate Hall. The Governor and 11 members of the senate were brought to the senate hall before the protestors arrived. SFI District President Nandan and others are inside the campus.