The party has asked the Higher Education Minister to resign by Tuesday, alleging corruption and nepotism.
The Congress seems to have asked Higher Education Minister R. An ultimatum has been issued demanding Bindu’s resignation. Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala said Ms Bindu had crossed a threshold by insisting on disbanding the search committee set up to find a suitable academic for Kannur University as vice-chancellor by asking Governor Arif Mohammad Khan. The minister had openly demanded that Mr Khan extend the tenure of the current Vice Chancellor, who was due for retirement.
Branding the letter controversial, Mr Chennithala said Ms Bindu had violated the oath of office. She was involved in corruption and nepotism. Mr. Chennithala said that he would bring a Lok Ayukta against Ms. Bindu’s maladministration. “He should step down by Tuesday,” he said.
Leader of the Opposition VD Satheesan said Ms Bindu’s continuance in office was legally untenable. The government should be prepared for street protests to protect the autonomy of universities.
Meanwhile, the dispute between Mr Khan and Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan over ‘political dynasty’ in university appointments has entered a difficult terrain. Mr Khan indicated to reporters in New Delhi that he was reluctant to continue as chancellor. “I find it difficult to continue as Chancellor because there is too much political interference in university affairs. No one can force breaking the rules. The autonomy of universities must be respected. I have only said that there is no There should be no political interference.”
Pinarayi meets AG
On Monday, Mr. Vijayan held an in-camera meeting with the Advocate General. Mr Khan had alleged that the chief minister had sought the AG’s opinion to dismiss his counsel that the extension of the tenure of the Kannur University vice-chancellor was against the norms of the university.
Communist Party of India (Marxist) State Secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan suggested that Mr Khan’s position appeared to be politically motivated. “There is something mysterious. The government does not want any confrontation with the governor. The chief minister has said that the administration is ready for discussion with Mr. Khan. The government wants Khan to remain the chancellor,” he said.
Communist Party of India (CPI) state secretary Kanam Rajendran asked Mr Khan not to force the government to remove him from the post of chancellor. He said that the assembly has appointed the governor as the chancellor. He said it can easily take back its joy.
State President of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) K. Surendran demanded a judicial inquiry into the appointments of the university since Mr Vijayan came to power in 2016.