Minister Roji M. John said that attempts to smuggle in political interests using the governor’s powers would be thwarted

Higher Education Minister Roji M. John on Saturday said that the United Democratic Front (UDF) government will resist any attempt by the governor to advance his political interests in the universities as Chancellor of the Universities.

But addressing the media at the Ernakulam Press Club here, the minister reiterated that the government would try not to escalate the issues into a clash between the government and the governor as it would damage the higher education sector.

He was answering questions about the recent appointment of Dr. Mavoothu., alleged RSS-BJP supporters, by the Vice-Chancellor in-charge of Mahatma Gandhi University (MGU) and a group of alleged Sangh Parivar supporters to the university senate by Governor Rajendra Arlekar.

When choosing Dr. Mavoothu the minister said the appointments were made within days of the UDF assuming power and the governor did not ask for names of potential candidates nor was the government given time to suggest any. “According to the statute, the chancellor has the right to appoint the head VC once the VC leaves. He used that power at MGU,” Mr John said.

“If the governor tries to sneak in his political interests using statutory powers, we will resist it in every possible way. We are clear about our ideological positions. We will not water it down,” he said.

He said the government’s stance is to run the higher education sector smoothly without compromising its ideological positions.

Low voter turnout

On the issue of lower demand for traditional academic programs affecting the student-teacher ratio in universities, the minister said the government would address the issue and explore options including moving teachers to universities with higher student turnout. “Or there must be newer programs to meet the changing requirements. We will discuss the matter with stakeholders, including teachers’ forums,” he said.

The minister slammed the CBSE and the Union government for the uncertainty over the Plus Two results, which has created anxiety among many students and parents. “The controversy has created a crisis in the higher education sector. Although the state government has completed the Kerala Engineering Architecture Medical (KEAM) entrance exam procedures in a time-bound manner as the publication of the rank list is linked to the CBSE results, many parents are worried. The state government is ready to allay fears and move ahead. The Center and CBSE should have avoided uncertainty.

SFI asks the minister

Meanwhile, the Students’ Federation of India (SFI) took strong exception to the minister’s remarks on the recent appointments to MGU. SFI’s state secretary PS Sanjeev said that the minister’s statement that he was not aware of the appointment of Dr. Mavooth, revealed his incompetence.

“As higher education minister, he is the pro-chancellor of the university. If the VC and Senate members were appointed without his knowledge, then it shows that he is not fit for the post,” Mr. Sanjeev told the media in Kochi on Saturday.

Published – June 6, 2026 9:59 PM IST