Kerala Govt-Lok Bhavan tussle escalates as Arlekar appoints BJP-linked academic as agri varsity VC

The appointment of T Sajitha Rani, a leader associated with a BJP-backed teachers' organisation, as the Vice-Chancellor of Kerala Agricultural University has triggered a fresh political row in the state, reviving the long-running conflict between the Governor and the state government over appointments to universities.

Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, who serves as Chancellor of Kerala's universities, appointed Sajitha Rani after rejecting the panel of three names recommended by the state government. The decision has drawn criticism from the ruling United Democratic Front (UDF) government and the Students' Federation of India (SFI), both of which have alleged that the appointment bypassed established procedures.

The state government has said it will challenge the appointment in court, while the SFI has accused the Governor of attempting to install ideologically aligned academics in universities.

What is the controversy?

The vacancy arose after former Vice-Chancellor B. Ashok was shifted from the Agriculture Department.

Under the Kerala Agricultural University Act, the state government recommended a panel of three candidates for the post. However, Governor Arlekar rejected the panel and appointed Sajitha Rani, who is currently the Dean of the College of Agriculture, Padannakkad.

The move follows another recent dispute over the appointment of a Vice-Chancellor at Mahatma Gandhi University, leading to fresh allegations that Raj Bhavan is overriding the state government's recommendations in university appointments.

The latest decision has further intensified the ongoing disagreement between Raj Bhavan and the Kerala government over the governance of higher education institutions.

Why is the state government objecting?

Higher Education Minister Roji M. John said the government did not approve of what he described as interference in university administration and confirmed that the appointment would be challenged legally.

According to John, powers relating to universities in Kerala rest with the elected state government. While university laws grant certain powers to the Chancellor, he said those powers have traditionally been exercised after taking the government's views into account.

He alleged that, since the BJP came to power at the Centre, appointments made through Governors acting as Chancellors have increasingly undermined the country's federal structure.

John also claimed that the Union government was attempting to exercise greater control over state universities through the office of the Chancellor, describing the development as undemocratic.

He said he would discuss the issue with Agriculture Minister T. Siddique, whose department oversees Kerala Agricultural University.

The minister added that his party had opposed similar interventions while it was in the Opposition and maintained the same position after assuming office.

What has the Agriculture Minister said?

Agriculture Minister T. Siddique said the state government's panel had been prepared after evaluating candidates on academic credentials and merit.

According to him, the Governor disregarded those recommendations and instead appeared to have based the appointment primarily on seniority.

The minister also maintained that the Kerala Agricultural University Act requires the Chancellor to consult the state government before appointing a Vice-Chancellor. Critics of the appointment have argued that no such consultation took place.

What is the SFI alleging?

The Students' Federation of India has strongly criticised the appointment, describing it as a misuse of the Chancellor's powers.

SFI state secretary P.S. Sanjeev alleged that rejecting the government's panel reflected an attempt to "saffronise" Kerala's universities and said the organisation would oppose such moves.

The student organisation has also linked the development to a broader pattern, pointing to the recent Vice-Chancellor appointment at Mahatma Gandhi University. It has claimed that these appointments indicate an attempt to expand the influence of the Sangh Parivar in higher education institutions.

The SFI further raised questions over a recent meeting between the Governor and Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan, saying it had fuelled suspicions surrounding the appointment. It called on the UDF and Minister Siddique to clarify their position on the issue.

A long-running dispute over university appointments

The latest controversy adds to a prolonged dispute between Kerala's Governors and successive state governments over appointments to universities.

During the tenure of the previous Left Democratic Front (LDF) government, disagreements over the appointment of Vice-Chancellors, Syndicate members and Senate members frequently resulted in legal battles.

Soon after taking charge as Higher Education Minister, Roji M. John also objected to the appointment of individuals allegedly associated with the BJP to key positions at Mahatma Gandhi University.

With the state government preparing to challenge Sajitha Rani's appointment in court, the dispute is set to become the latest legal and political flashpoint over the powers of the Governor and the autonomy of Kerala's universities.