R Bindu Rejects Chief Minister’s Claim on MG University Senate Panel, Alleges Continuation of ‘Saffronisation Agenda’

Thrissur: Former Higher Education Minister R Bindu has dismissed Chief Minister V D Satheesan's claim that the previous government had recommended the panel for the appointment of members to the 30-member Senate of Mahatma Gandhi University. In a statement, Bindu described the claim as baseless and contrary to both logic and common sense.

She stated that the previous government had not submitted any such panel. According to her, the recommendation in question had been made by the Governor in his capacity as Chancellor. She further pointed out that the new government had not officially recorded even a single disagreement with the Governor's recommendation.

Bindu noted that former MG University Vice-Chancellor C T Aravindakumar retired in May, while the election code of conduct came into effect in March. Given this timeline, she argued that it would not have been possible to submit a panel for the appointment of a Vice-Chancellor several months in advance. Therefore, she said, developments that occurred after the new government assumed office should not be blamed on the previous administration.

The former minister further alleged that the episode was part of an ongoing understanding between the UDF and the BJP. She claimed that the Governor's efforts to implement a "saffronisation" agenda in higher education were being carried forward without obstacles.

According to Bindu, the UDF has not yet reacted to the Governor's actions. She argued that this silence reflects a continuation of a political arrangement between the UDF and the BJP during the election period.

She also accused the Higher Education Minister and the Chief Minister of facilitating the Governor's agenda in the higher education sector. Referring to Higher Education Minister Roji M John, Bindu said that he had stated soon after assuming office that he did not intend to confront the Governor.

She concluded by expressing curiosity about the position of the Muslim Leagueon the issue.