9 Gujarat Vidyapith trustees resign to protest Governor Devvrat's appointment as chancellor
Ahmedabad (PTI): Nine of 24 trustees of the Gujarat Vidyapith, founded by Mahatma Gandhi in 1920, have resigned to protest state Governor Acharya Devvrat's appointment as the new chancellor under "political pressure".
However, the apex decision-making body of the Ahmedabad-based university has decided not to accept the resignations.
In a joint statement, the nine trustees on Monday said the selection of Devvrat as the chancellor was done due to "crass political pressure," and in "total disregard of Gandhi's values, methods and practices."
They appealed to the governor to decline taking charge as the chancellor in order to "uphold the fundamental values of democracy and transparent autonomous decision-making (of the varsity)."
The governor had on October 11 agreed to take over as the 12th chancellor of the 102-year-old institution after the university's governing council resolved on October 4 to invite him to assume the post for five years following the resignation of incumbent Ela Bhatt (89), a well-known activist and Gandhian, due to age-related issues.
The Gujarat Vidyapith's governing council, its highest decision-making body, said in a statement that a unanimous resolution was passed at its meeting on Monday to not accept the resignation of eight trustees (the ninth member is a lifelong trustee).
Narsinhbhai Hathila, a lifelong trustee and one of the signatories of the joint statement issued by the nine trustees, also approved the governing council's decision to not accept the resignations so that the institute keeps getting their guidance for a long time, the institute said in a press release.
In an open letter, the nine protesting trustees said the selection of Devvrat as the chancellor was "neither spontaneous nor the unanimous decision of the board of trustees."
"It was under crass political pressure. It was in total disregard of Gandhi's values, methods and practices," they said and appealed to the governor to decline taking charge as the chancellor in order to "uphold the fundamental values of democracy and transparent autonomous decision-making (of the varsity)."
"Our humble request to you is an act of collective conscience after considerable deliberation. We, of course, do not have anything against your person," said trustees Narsinhbhai Hathila, Sudarshan Iyangar, Anamik Shah, Mandaben Parikh, Uttambhai Parmar, Chaitanya Bhatt, Neetaben Hardikar, Michael Mazgaonkar and Kapil Shah in the joint statement.
The trustees said they believe the decision to select the new chancellor was taken in "undue haste, under political pressure, out of fear and intimidation, in total disregarding due process, avoiding need for dialogue as well as without considering other possible names."
"We believe that the impugned decision was made to save the body of the institution, divorced from its soul, and all values and principles were sacrificed at the altar of expediency. Alas, after the decision was made, we requested the management to let things settle down, and not rush with the invitation to the selected person," they said.
The trustees said what has happened in regard to the selection of the new chancellor was shocking.
"Understandably, more pressure may have been brought to bear, and that is what has resulted in the sequence of events. What has happened is indeed, sad, shocking and unbecoming for an institution with such pedigree," they said.
They further claimed the state government made unreasonable demands regarding the appointment of the chancellor as a condition to hear their demands
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Speaker Khader dismisses BJP's charges of 'delay' in swearing-in of Jeevaraj as MLA
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka Assembly Speaker U T Khader on Wednesday rejected opposition BJP's allegations of delaying the swearing-in of D N Jeevaraj as MLA, asserting that the process was being handled strictly in accordance with constitutional provisions and rules.
BJP candidate Jeevaraj, who had lost the 2023 Sringeri Assembly election to Congress leader T D Raje Gowda, was declared elected late Sunday night after reverification and recounting of postal ballots in compliance with a High Court order.
The recount reduced 255 votes from Gowda's tally, overturning his earlier victory margin of 201 votes and reversing the result.
The recount followed an election petition filed by Jeevaraj.
Addressing reporters, Khader maintained that there was no delay in administering the oath to Jeevaraj, who was declared elected from the Sringeri Assembly constituency after a High Court-ordered recount of postal ballots.
“Where have we delayed? The application was submitted at 11 am. If an application is given in the morning and by evening someone says it’s delayed — how is that a delay?” he said, dismissing the allegations.
The Speaker said the matter involved 'technical issues' that required examination before fixing a date for oath-taking.
“When such a matter comes, we also need to examine it and take a decision as per rules. If an application is given in the morning, at least 24 hours must be given,” he said.
Khader stressed that his role was bound by the Constitution and not influenced by political considerations.
“When an elected MLA asks for time, we must give it under the Constitution and law. Can we refuse? No, we have to give it,” he said, rejecting suggestions that he was acting under party pressure.
He also underlined the need for trust in democratic institutions amid the controversy.
“A democracy and parliamentary system must function on trust. Without that, how can democracy be strengthened? Trust is essential,” he said, cautioning against creating suspicion around constitutional positions.
On claims that the delay was linked to the ongoing political and legal dispute over the recount, Khader said the issue did not fall within his purview.
“My responsibility is to act as per the Constitution and rules. I will ensure that whatever is due to them is done as soon as possible,” the Speaker explained.
He said he had already communicated his position when contacted and would formally inform the concerned parties. “There is no delay, nor any intention to delay. I will discharge my duties as per the Constitution,” he said.
Khader also pointed to possible legal complications in hastily administering the oath.
“If I give the oath to one person and tomorrow the court declares someone else the winner, what happens then? Will it automatically cancel? Will confusion arise?” he asked, indicating the need for due diligence.
On concerns that Jeevaraj had lost over two years of tenure, the Speaker said representation was linked to that constituency rather than an individual.
“Whoever becomes the MLA represents the constituency. Benefits are not given to an individual,” he said, adding that issues of alleged irregularities should be examined by the Election Commission.
The remarks come after the Leader of Opposition BJP in the Karnataka Assembly, R Ashoka on Wednesday accused the Speaker of 'deliberately' delaying the oath and approached Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot seeking intervention, even suggesting that the Governor administer the oath if required.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah termed the process 'Vote Dacoity' by Jeevaraj and said an FIR has been registered against the newly elected Sringeri MLA.
Defending the recount process, Jeevaraj denied allegations of tampering, while the High Court has stayed an FIR filed against him in connection with the postal ballot issue.
