Thiruvananthapuram, June 27 — Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar has appointed T. Sajitha Rani as Vice-Chancellor (in-charge) of the Kerala Agricultural University (KAU), overriding the candidate recommended by the state government. Dr. Sajitha Rani, currently Dean at KAU’s College of Agriculture in Padannakkad, will hold the additional charge until a regular V-C is named, according to the order issued from Lok Bhavan on Saturday.
Higher Education Minister Roji M. John condemned the move as a unilateral act that undermines democratic principles. “The Governor did not even consider the government’s panel,” John said, adding that the cabinet will discuss and decide on the appropriate legal response. Agriculture Minister T. Siddique noted that the state’s nominee was chosen for “academic excellence” and held a national and international reputation, while the Governor’s office based its decision on “seniority.”
Dr. Sajitha Rani joined KAU on August 16, 1993, and brings over 32 years of academic experience. She earned her PhD in agronomy from the same university in 2002. The appointment has drawn criticism because she is a member of a BJP-affiliated teachers’ organisation, though Lok Bhavan sources maintain the selection was purely seniority-based. Siddique declined to comment on “other controversies” at this stage.
The Governor, serving as KAU Chancellor, set aside the government’s recommended name in issuing the June 27 order. The state government is now weighing legal options to challenge the decision, which has intensified the ongoing friction between the Raj Bhavan and the Left Democratic Front administration.
Image for illustration purposes only
📰 Source: The Hindu National