THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Higher Education Minister R Bindhu convened a press meet soon after the Lokayukta rejected Ramesh Chennithala’s plea in connection with the re-appointment of Gopinath Ravindran as Kannur University Vice-chancellor. The opposition along with the media has been constructing a huge complex of allegations, the minister said.
The allegations rose even after responding to them many times. Now there is clarity in the matter. To act without confirming the facts does not suit the media or the opposition. Ramesh Chennathila has been in the public domain for many years. Don’t know whether he instigated the matter out of disappointment in losing the status of opposition leader. It is not good for a person like him to issue statements without learning facts.
The chief minister has been repeatedly calling for comprehensive changes in Kerala’s higher education sector. The responsibility to implement such big changes from the forefront lies with me. Let me do my job, said the minister. Changes are necessary in the higher education sector of Kerala. Please give us ample time for bringing changes. Opposition leader V D Satheeshan has shown cooperative attitude in this matter. For which, I am thankful to him. Chennithala has been intolerant towards the changes in the higher education sector. This might be part of his plan to assure his presence in the hearts of people or a politician’s desire to always be in the limelight. Those who have a long tradition of public works should not try to create controversies. I expect to have cooperation from Chennithala. The media should present things with right intentions. I do not intend to give controversial statements on the governor. There is no need to get into a direct clash with him. The tussle between the state government and the governor is not desirable for the people of the state. We should try to avoid controversies, said the minister.