Appointment of Priya Varghese is political, will face it politically, those who object can go to court: Governor

NEW DELHI: Lashing out at the government, Governor Arif Mohammad Khan said that the appointment of Priya Varghese, wife of the Chief Minister's Private Secretary KK Ragesh, as an Associate Professor in Kannur University is a political appointment. "A person without teaching qualification came first in the rank list. This is a political drama and I will face it politically," the governor said. The governor also said that he will examine whether the VC's legal action against his decision is a breach of discipline.

"It was prima facie clear that there was nepotism in the appointment process. It is my responsibility as the Chancellor to ensure that the rules are followed in the universities. I've only taken action as per the law. The Raj Bhavan has the powers granted by the Constitution. Only the President has the power to amend it. An unqualified person was appointed in the University. This appointment was made for the sole reason that the person's spouse was the Secretary to the Chief Minister. There is no doubt that it is a political appointment," the governor said.