Governor’s appointment of Sajitha Rani as in-charge VC of Kerala Agricultural University sparks row

Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar has issued orders to appoint T. Sajith Rani as Vice-Chancellor (in-charge) of Kerala Agricultural University (KAU). Dr. AS Sajitha Rani is currently the Dean of the KAU College of Agriculture, Padannakkad.

While taking the decision, the Governor, in his capacity as Chancellor, KAU, set aside the name recommended by the Government of Kerala. Higher Education Minister Roji M. John criticized the Lok Bhavan’s decision, saying the Governor acted unilaterally. Mr. John described the appointment as a violation of democratic principles. The governor did not even take the state government panel into account while taking the decision, he said, adding that the government will discuss and decide on the legal course of action.

Meanwhile, Agriculture Minister T. Siddique reacted to the development by saying that the government’s recommendation was made on the basis of “academic excellence” while Lok Bhavan considered “seniority”. “The name recommended by the government was that of an individual who had a national and international reputation. However, Sajitha Rani was chosen on the basis of seniority, according to Lok Bhavan,” Mr. Siddique said. He added that he did not wish to get into “other controversies” at this time.

BJP affiliated forum

According to the June 27 order issued by the Lok Bhavan, Dr. Sajitha Rani “shall exercise the powers and perform the duties of the Vice-Chancellor, KAU, in addition to his ordinary duties” until the appointment of a Vice-Chancellor on (a) regular basis for the University.

The appointment of Lok Bhavan caused a setback on the grounds that Dr. Sajitha Rani is a member of a BJP-affiliated teachers’ organization, but Lok Bhavan sources say the decision was based on seniority. Dr. Sajitha Rani joined the service on August 16, 1993 and has more than 32 years of academic experience. Her specialization is agronomy, in which she received her doctorate at KAU in 2002.

Published – 27 Jun 2026 23:39 IST