The appointment of Sajitha Rani, linked to a BJP-supported teachers’ group, as the Vice-Chancellor of Kerala Agricultural University by Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar has stirred a fresh political debate. The Students’ Federation of India (SFI) has raised concerns, alleging a systematic effort to place ideologically aligned academics in the state’s universities.
This move follows a recent dispute over the Governor’s selection of a Vice-Chancellor for Mahatma Gandhi University, leading the SFI to accuse Lok Bhavan of promoting the Sangh Parivar’s influence in higher education. Governor Arlekar appointed Sajitha Rani after rejecting the State Government’s recommended three-member panel for the position, which became vacant due to the transfer of the previous Vice-Chancellor, B. Ashok, from the Agriculture Department.
The State Government is reportedly displeased with the decision, citing the Kerala Agricultural University Act, which mandates consultation with the Government before appointing a Vice-Chancellor. Critics argue that the Governor’s unilateral action bypassed established procedures, sparking concerns about the Centre’s increasing influence over State universities through the Governor’s office.
Higher Education Minister Roji M. John criticized the appointment as part of a broader agenda to impose Centre-backed nominees on universities, undermining their autonomy. Agriculture Minister T. Siddique emphasized that the State Government’s panel was based on academic excellence and merit, contrasting with the perceived seniority-based selection by the Governor, which disregarded the Government’s recommendations.
