Kunnummal’s reappointment is perceived as a direct challenge to the LDF government, given his history of frequent clashes with the CPM-led syndicate at Kerala University over multiple contentious issues.
Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan(left) and KUHS Vice-Chancellor Mohanan Kunnummal
Thiruvananthapuram: In a bold decision that could intensify the already tense relations between Kerala’s Raj Bhavan and the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government, Governor Arif Mohammed Khan has reappointed Dr. Mohanan Kunnummal as Vice-Chancellor of Kerala University of Health Sciences (KUHS). This reappointment, viewed as a direct challenge to the LDF administration, comes amid longstanding conflicts between Kunnummal and the CPM-led syndicate at Kerala University over various policy and administrative issues.
According to the official announcement from Raj Bhavan on Thursday, Dr. Kunnummal’s reappointment will be for five years from October 26 or until he reaches 70 years, whichever comes first. The appointment is aligned with Section 10(5) (ii) of the KUHS Act. Additionally, the Governor clarified that Kunnummal would retain interim charge of the University of Kerala’s Vice-Chancellor role until a permanent replacement is appointed.
The LDF government, notably Higher Education Minister R. Bindu, has publicly criticized the Governor’s move, labeling it as “opportunistic” and “unfortunate.” Bindu pointed out the irony, citing previous occasions when the Governor had challenged her over similar reappointments, only now to make such a move at his discretion.
