V-C appointments gain momentum after Governor-CM talks; Opposition alleges “secret understanding”

The appointment of Vice-Chancellors (V-Cs) at Digital University Kerala and APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University, along with the nomination of a senate nominee to the Calicut University V-C selection panel, has triggered speculations about the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government reaching a tacit arrangement with Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar on appointments.

Although the government has remained tight-lipped about its strategy, a flurry of informal discussions indicate a renewed push to make permanent appointments at all universities that have been helmed by interim V-Cs for several years.

The Calicut University senate chose State Planning Board member R. Ramakumar to the search-cum-selection committee after the Kerala High Court had issued an ultimatum for the process. Two nominees earlier named to the panel had declined the responsibility. Prof. Ramakumar’s nomination has paved the way for the possible appointment of a V-C as early as January, official sources said.

Other varsities

Similar developments could soon unfold at other universities, including Kerala University and Mahatma Gandhi University, beginning with the nomination of members to their respective search committees. Earlier attempts in this regard had stalled, allegedly in accordance with the LDF’s political stance at the time.

With the developments coming close on the heels of a conciliatory meeting between the Governor and Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, the Opposition has alleged a “secret understanding”.

All India Congress Committee general secretary K.C. Venugopal questioned the Governor’s change in stance on the V-C appointment. Mr. Venugopal said the Governor had earlier rejected the Chief Minister’s recommendation, stating that the proposed candidate was not eligible and that there were serious allegations against him. “However, the same person was later approved for the post. This raises serious questions about the circumstances that led to the change in Governor’s assessment,” he told media persons on Friday.

The Congress leader also alleged that the confrontations that had previously unfolded between the Governor and the Chief Minister was merely a drama, and that the present consensus points to mediation from “higher levels.”

According to him, the development forms part of what the Congress describes as an undercurrent of political understanding between the CPI(M) and the BJP. “The people of Kerala have a right to know the truth behind such compromises, especially since the issue had triggered widespread violence and also threatened to jeopardise students’ futures,” Mr. Venugopal said.