Kerala University power tussle deepens as Bharat Mata photo row lingers

The entire row was over the decision of registrar Anil Kumar to cancel permission to a private function at the university after pro-left and pro-Congress student activists staged protest against the display of picture of Bharat Mata at the venue.

Thiruvananthapuram: A power tussle in the Kerala University amid the ongoing row over Bharat Mata picture aggravated further on Monday with the vice-chancellor appointing a new registrar even as the pro-left members of the university syndicate on Sunday revoked the suspension of the incumbent registrar and he resumed duties on Sunday itself.

Vice-chancellor in charge Ciza Thomas on Monday appointed joint registrar Mini Kappan as the new registrar in place of Anil Kumar K S, who was placed under suspension by vice-chancellor Mohanan Kunnummal last week on charge of insulting Governor Rajendran Viswanath Arlekar.

However, the vice-chancellor's decision to appoint the new registrar is not approved by the syndicate, which is the appointing authority of the registrar.

The vice-chancellor is learnt to have sent a report regarding the appointment of the new registrar to the Raj Bhavan. Hence the chances of the Governor taking any further decision by exercising his powers as the chancellor couldn't be ruled out, university sources said.

The entire row was over the decision of registrar Anil Kumar to cancel permission to a private function at the university Senate Hall after pro-left and pro-Congress student activists staged protest against the display of picture of Bharat Mata at the venue. The Governor was the chief guest at the function and hence the vice-chancellor suspended the registrar on charges of insulting the Governor by cancelling permission given for the function at the last minute.