THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: As Governor Arif Mohammad Khan, who was enraged by the move to usurp his chancellor power, poked the nepotism row, the government withdrew from presenting the controversial University Amendment Bill in the special legislative session starting today. The CPM state secretariat which met yesterday also took the same stand. Kerala Kaumudi had earlier reported that the bill would be shelved.

Meanwhile, although no decision was reached in the bilateral discussion with the CPI on the Lokayukta Amendment Bill, it is indicated that their proposal to have a special committee as the appellate authority will be considered.

The university amendment bill was shelved following advice that a confrontation with the governor would not legally benefit the government.

The governor locked his horns with the state govt when the cabinet meeting approved the draft of the bill which curtails the powers of the governor by increasing the number of members of the search committee for the appointment of the vice chancellor. Kerala University Senate passing resolution against govt is like pouring oil on fire. To hit back at the government, the governor initiated a move to arrest CPM's nepotism appointments and appropriation of funds in universities. With this, the government backed away from the confrontation.

However, the CPM has decided to strengthen the political struggle after evaluating the actions of the governor as negative. The secretariat's decision is to politically face the governor's tough stance against Kannur and Kerala Universities in the same way.

Lokayukta: CPI for five-member committee

The CPI clarified in the bilateral discussion that it cannot agree to the Lokayukta Amendment Bill. Instead, the CPI suggested that a five-member special committee comprising the Chief Minister, the Speaker, the Leader of the Opposition, the Revenue and Law Ministers should be the appellate authority. The CPI state executive meeting discussed and approved this proposal yesterday morning. The Chief Minister did not give any assurance in the bilateral talks. He said that the feasibility of the committee will be examined. The CPI's proposal is likely to be accepted as an official amendment and included in the Lokayukta Bill.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Industries Minister P Rajeev, CPM Central Committee Member A Vijayaraghavan held discussions with CPI State Secretary Kanam Rajendran and National Council Member Pannyan Ravindran at the AKG Centre.