CHENNAI: Not only in Kerala, but also in states like Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Maharashtra and Rajasthan, the war between the governor and the government is ongoing. The move by these state governments to curtail the powers of the governor and remove the chancellor is still pending consideration of the 'Raj Bhavan' in the form of bills. Because these bills must be signed by the governor to become law!

Tamil Nadu

As the battle between governor RN Ravi and Chief Minister MK Stalin continued in Tamil Nadu, the Legislative Assembly last April passed an amendment to curtail the powers of the governor as chancellor. It is a bill that empowers the government to appoint vice-chancellors directly. But months later, the bill has not been signed by the governor. Meanwhile, the governor appointed VCs in various universities.

Maharashtra

In December last year, the Maharashtra Assembly had passed the Maharashtra Public Universities Amendment Act, curtailing the powers of the chancellor. The main amendment was that the government would decide on the governor's nominee in the search committee for the appointment of the VC. Governor Bhagat Singh Koshiyari has not signed the bill passed by both houses of the Maharashtra Assembly. The bill, which has been kept in the Raj Bhavan for six months, is now before the President for his advice.

West Bengal

In Bengal, the war between Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and governor Jagdeep Dhankar led to the passing of the 'West Bengal University Constitution Amendment Bill' by the legislature. But the governor was not ready to sign the bill. He sent it back to the government seeking an explanation. Jagdeep Dhankar was elected as the Vice President. Manipur Governor La Ganesan Iyer is the interim governor of Bengal.

Rajasthan

In Rajasthan too, the state government has started steps to curtail the Chancellor's powers, but it has not been implemented. Even if the bill is passed by the House in a special legislative session, it may not be passed by the Raj Bhavan.