ജോൺ വാഴത്തറ

Governor Arif Mohammed Khan’s extraordinary decision to seek the resignations of nine Vice Chancellors drew a sharp response from the government on Sunday. Higher Education Minister R. Bindu pulled no punches when she termed the move the latest example of fascist forces attempting to take over the country. Slamming the ‘unilateral’ decision of the Governor, Dr. Bindu said it was a conscious attempt to scuttle the higher education sector and disrupt the smooth functioning of the government. “He (the Governor) can only function within the bounds of the Constitution. The decision to leave the universities headless in a single stroke without ascertaining the facts is condemnable. Such diktats that are issued without consulting the government cannot be accepted,” she said. In a veiled reference to the Governor’s threat to “withdraw pleasure” against Ministers, Dr. Bindu said her criticism might prompt Mr. Khan to sack her, “but, we can no longer afford to remain silent.” Hinting at the poss...