Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar has issued orders appointing T. Sajitha Rani as Vice-Chancellor (in-charge) of the Kerala Agricultural University (KAU). Dr. Sajitha Rani is currently Dean at KAU’s College of Agriculture, Padannakkad.
In taking the decision, the Governor, in his capacity as Chancellor, KAU, has set aside the name recommended by the Kerala government. Higher Education Minister Roji M. John slammed the Lok Bhavan decision saying that the Governor acted unilaterally. Mr. John described the appointment as a violation of democratic principles. The Governor did not even consider the State government’s panel in arriving at 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 saying that the government’s recommendation was made on the basis of “academic excellence,” while the Lok Bhavan had considered “seniority.” “The name recommended by the government was that of an individual who had national and international reputation. However, Sajitha Rani was picked on the basis of seniority, according to the Lok Bhavan,” Mr. Siddique said. He added that he did not wish to go into “other controversies” at the moment.
BJP-affiliated forum
According to the June 27 order issued by Lok Bhavan, Dr. Sajitha Rani “shall exercise the powers and perform the duties of the Vice-Chancellor, KAU, in addition to her normal duties” until the appointment of a Vice-Chancellor on (a) regular basis for the university.
The Lok Bhavan appointment has drawn flak on the grounds that Dr. Sajitha Rani is a member of a BJP-affiliated teachers’ organisation, but Lok Bhavan sources say the decision was based on seniority. Dr. Sajitha Rani entered service on August 16, 1993, and has over 32 years of academic experience. Her area of specialisation is agronomy, in which she secured her PhD from KAU in 2002.
Published – June 27, 2026 11:39 pm IST
