Kochi: Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan today launched a scathing attack against the Kannur University Vice-Chancellor and called him a criminal. The governor also alleged that attempts were made to physically harm him during his visits to Kannur University. Governor accused the vice chancellor of plotting the attack and called him a ‘criminal’. He was talking to the media persons in New Delhi today, August 21.
Governor blamed, the VC hatched the conspiracy in Delhi. He was referring to the 80th History Congress held in Kannur in late 2019 and the physical attack against him by Left historian Irfan Habib. Protestors raised placards while Governor was delivering the inaugural address. They shouted slogans against the Citizenship Amendment Act.
The police had to intervene and remove the protestors. Later Governor had summoned the VC to the Kannur Guest House and demanded CCTV footage of the incident.
Despite the physical attack, VC did not try to protect him. He evaded the duty of the host to protect the guest when something happens to the latter. Governor said, VC was facilitating the attack. He blamed that VC changed the programme schedule approved by the Raj Bhavan sans informing at all. According to the amended schedule, Habib got one and half hours to speak.
Governor alleged that VC crossed all limits of decency. He said, there were two attempts to manhandle him. Despite Raj Bhavan’s demand, VC did report to the police the attack on him.
Governor added that he would ensure the university’s transparency. He also said that there is no issue between himself and the LDF government.
The other day Governor had shaken the VC and the entire LDF apparatus led by CM Pinarayi Vijayan by staying the nepotistic appointment of Priya Varghese as the Associate Professor at Kannur University. Priya is the wife of K.K. Rakesh, former Rajya Sabha member and incumbent secretary of CPM supremo and CM Pinarayi Vijayan. Apparently, Priya does not meet the parameters required for bagging a smooth appointment.
